How and when to take co-beneldopa

Co-beneldopa comes as:

• standard capsules
• slow-release (also known as controlled-release or prolonged-release) capsules
• tablets that dissolve in water (dispersible tablets)

Some people may need to take a combination of these.

Co-beneldopa capsules and tablets come in different strengths. The information on the medicine packet shows the amount of levodopa followed by the amount of benserazide (both in milligrams) in each capsule or tablet.

The standard capsules and the tablets work fairly quickly. You'll usually take these several times a day, depending on your dose.

Slow-release capsules get the medicine into your body gradually. This means you may not have to take them as often.

Changes to your dose

You'll usually start on a low dose of co-beneldopa. Your doctor or specialist nurse will increase your dose gradually until your symptoms are under control.

It's best to take the lowest dose that controls your symptoms. This helps reduce your chance of side effects.

How to take it

Take your co-beneldopa at the same times each day. This is important to help control your symptoms. If you delay taking it, your symptoms could come back.

It's best to avoid taking co-beneldopa at the same time as meals containing a lot of protein (such as meat, eggs, cheese, beans or lentils). For some people, protein can reduce the amount of levodopa your body takes in, meaning that your medicine may not work properly.

Because of this, you should take co-beneldopa at least 30 minutes before a meal or 60 minutes after a meal.