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RYTARY

Carbidopa and Levodopa · Capsule, Extended Release

Prescription NDA RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
RYTARY
Generic name
Carbidopa and Levodopa
Dosage form
Capsule, Extended Release
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
8
NDC product codes
4
Packages
14
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Carbidopa Hydrate 23.75 mg/1 308988 View
Carbidopa Hydrate 36.25 mg/1 308988 View
Carbidopa Hydrate 48.75 mg/1 308988 View
Carbidopa Hydrate 61.25 mg/1 308988 View
Levodopa 145 mg/1 308988 View
Levodopa 195 mg/1 308988 View
Levodopa 245 mg/1 308988 View
Levodopa 95 mg/1 308988 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule, Extended Release
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
18

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Amino Acids EPC All 11 members
Aromatic Amino Acid [EPC] EPC All 11 members
Aromatic [CS] CS All 11 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
203312
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
January 7, 2015
Sponsor
IMPAX
Products on application
4
Submissions recorded
8
Products approved under application 203312.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
203312-001 RYTARY CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE CARBIDOPA; LEVODOPA Prescription — RLD
203312-002 RYTARY CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE CARBIDOPA; LEVODOPA Prescription — RLD
203312-003 RYTARY CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE CARBIDOPA; LEVODOPA Prescription — RLD
203312-004 RYTARY CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE CARBIDOPA; LEVODOPA Prescription — RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
—
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
9089607 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1645 August 10, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 001 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1649 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1646 January 27, 2015
9089607 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1720 August 10, 2015
8557283 December 26, 2028 001 No U-219 January 27, 2015
9901640 December 26, 2028 001 No U-219 February 28, 2018
8454998 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1647 January 27, 2015
8557283 December 26, 2028 001 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 001 No U-219 January 27, 2015
9533046 December 26, 2028 001 No U-219 January 11, 2017
9463246 December 26, 2028 001 No U-219 October 12, 2016
9089608 December 26, 2028 001 No August 10, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 002 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1649 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 002 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1647 January 27, 2015
8557283 December 26, 2028 002 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8557283 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
9901640 December 26, 2028 002 No U-219 February 28, 2018
9089607 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1645 August 10, 2015
9533046 December 26, 2028 002 No U-219 January 11, 2017
9463246 December 26, 2028 002 No U-219 October 12, 2016
9089607 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1720 August 10, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1646 January 27, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 002 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
9089608 December 26, 2028 002 No August 10, 2015
9089607 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1645 August 10, 2015
9089607 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1720 August 10, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 003 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1647 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1649 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 003 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8557283 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1646 January 27, 2015
9463246 December 26, 2028 003 No U-219 October 12, 2016
9901640 December 26, 2028 003 No U-219 February 28, 2018
9533046 December 26, 2028 003 No U-219 January 11, 2017
8557283 December 26, 2028 003 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 003 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
9089608 December 26, 2028 003 No August 10, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1646 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 004 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
9089607 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1645 August 10, 2015
9463246 December 26, 2028 004 No U-219 October 12, 2016
8557283 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1645 January 27, 2015
9089607 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1720 August 10, 2015
8377474 December 26, 2028 004 No U-219 January 27, 2015
8454998 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1649 January 27, 2015
8557283 December 26, 2028 004 No U-219 January 27, 2015
9901640 December 26, 2028 004 No U-219 February 28, 2018
8454998 December 26, 2028 004 No U-1647 January 27, 2015
9533046 December 26, 2028 004 No U-219 January 11, 2017
9089608 December 26, 2028 004 No August 10, 2015

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 203312.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved March 19, 2026 Standard
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved December 17, 2019 Standard
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved October 27, 2016 Standard
Supplement 4 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 3, 2016 Standard
Supplement 3 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 13, 2016 Standard
Supplement 2 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 14, 2015 Standard
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 14, 2015 Standard
Original application 1 Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer Approved January 7, 2015 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · March 24, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · March 23, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · December 18, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · May 19, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2016
  • 0 · Original application · June 15, 2016
  • 0 · Original application · June 15, 2016
  • 0 · Original application · January 8, 2015
  • 0 · Original application · January 8, 2015

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260326). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260326

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ) 3/2026 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) 3/20296

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE RYTARY is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and parkinsonism that may follow carbon monoxide intoxication or manganese intoxication. RYTARY is a combination of carbidopa (an aromatic amino acid decarboxylation inhibitor) and levodopa (an aromatic amino acid) indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and parkinsonism that may follow carbon monoxide intoxication or manganese intoxication. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to starting treatment with carbidopa/levodopa therapies. ( 2.1 ) Levodopa-naïve patients: Starting dose is 23.75 mg/95 mg three times daily; may increase to 36.25 mg/145 mg three times daily on the fourth day of treatment. ( 2.2 ) See Table 1 for instructions for converting patients taking immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa to an initial dose of RYTARY. Dosages of RYTARY are not interchangeable with other carbidopa-levodopa products. ( 2.3 ) The maximum recommended daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg/2,450 mg. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) RYTARY may be taken with or without food; do not chew, divide or crush. ( 2.5 , 12.3 ) 2.1 Management of Vitamin B6 Levels Evaluate vitamin B6 levels prior to initiating carbidopa/levodopa therapies, including RYTARY, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. If vitamin B6 levels are low, supplement to sufficient levels per standard of care. Patients may initiate and continue treatment with RYTARY while supplementing vitamin B6. 2.2 Dosage in Patients Naïve to Levodopa Therapy The recommended starting dosage of RYTARY in levodopa-naïve patients is 23.75 mg/95 mg taken orally three times a day for the first 3 days. On the fourth day of treatment, the dosage of RYTARY may be increased to 36.25 mg/145 mg taken three times a day. Based upon individual patient clinical response and tolerability, the RYTARY dose may be increased up to a maximum recommended dose of 97.5 mg/390 mg taken three times a day. The dosing frequency may be changed from three times a day to a maximum of five times a day if more frequent dosing is needed and if tolerated. Maintain patients on the lowest dosage required to achieve symptomatic control and to minimize adverse reactions such as dyskinesia and nausea. The maximum recommended daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg/2,450 mg. 2.3 Converting from Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa to RYTARY The dosages of other carbidopa and levodopa products are not interchangeable on a 1:1 basis with the dosages of RYTARY. To convert patients from immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa to RYTARY, first calculate the patient’s current total daily dose of levodopa. The starting total daily dose of RYTARY is as recommended in Table 1. After conversion, any combination of the four RYTARY dosage strengths can be used to achieve an optimal dosing. Adjust the dose and dosing frequency as necessary to maintain patient tolerance and sufficient symptomatic control. Administration of concomitant Parkinson’s disease medications should remain stable while adjusting the RYTARY dose. In clinical trials, RYTARY was administered in divided doses of three to five times a day. The maximum recommended total daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg/2,450 mg. For patients currently treated with carbidopa and levodopa plus a catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor (such as entacapone), the initial total daily dose of levodopa in RYTARY described in Table 1 may need to be increased. Use of RYTARY in combination with other levodopa products has not been studied. Table 1 : Conversion from Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa to RYTARY Total Daily Dose of Levodopa in Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa Recommended Starting Dosage of RYTARY Total Daily Dose of Levodopa in RYTARY RYTARY Dosing Regimen 400 mg to 549 mg 855 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 23.75 mg/95 mg taken TID a 550 mg to 749 mg 1,140 mg 4 capsules RYTARY 23.75 mg/95 mg taken TID 750 mg to 949 mg 1,305 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 36.25 mg/145 mg taken TID 950 mg to 1,249 mg 1,755 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 48.75 mg/195 mg taken TID Equal to or greater than 1,250 mg 2,340 mg or 4 capsules RYTARY 48.75 mg/195 mg taken TID or 2,205 mg 3 capsules RYTARY 61.25 mg/245 mg taken TID a TID: three times a day 2.4 Discontinuation of RYTARY Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of RYTARY. The daily dose of RYTARY should be tapered at the time of treatment discontinuation …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Extended-release capsules: 23.75 mg carbidopa and 95 mg levodopa: blue and white capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 95 on the capsule body. 36.25 mg carbidopa and 145 mg levodopa: blue and light blue capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 145 on the capsule body. 48.75 mg carbidopa and 195 mg levodopa: blue and yellow capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 195 on the capsule body. 61.25 mg carbidopa and 245 mg levodopa: blue capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 245 on the capsule body. Extended-release capsules: Carbidopa and levodopa 23.75 mg/95 mg, 36.25 mg/145 mg, 48.75 mg/195 mg, 61.25 mg/245 mg. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS RYTARY is contraindicated in patients: Currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine and tranylcypromine) or have recently (within 2 weeks) taken a nonselective MAO inhibitor. Hypertension can occur if these drugs are used concurrently [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Nonselective MAO inhibitors. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living. ( 5.1 ) Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction to reduce the risk of withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion. ( 5.2 ) Cardiovascular Events: Monitor patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. ( 5.3 ) Hallucinations/Psychosis may occur. ( 5.4 ) Impulse Control Disorders: Consider dose reduction or stopping RYTARY if occurs. ( 5.5 ) May cause or exacerbate dyskinesia: Consider dose reduction. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence Patients treated with levodopa, a component of RYTARY, have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicles, which sometimes resulted in accidents. Although many of these patients reported somnolence while on levodopa, some perceived that they had no warning signs (sleep attack), such as excessive drowsiness, and believed that they were alert immediately prior to the event. Some of these events have been reported more than 1 year after initiation of treatment. It has been reported that falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living usually occurs in a setting of pre-existing somnolence, although patients may not give such a history. For this reason, prescribers should reassess patients for drowsiness or sleepiness in RYTARY-treated patients, especially since some of the events occur well after the start of treatment. Prescribers should also be aware that patients may not acknowledge drowsiness or sleepiness until directly questioned about drowsiness or sleepiness during specific activities. Before initiating treatment with RYTARY, advise patients of the potential to develop drowsiness and specifically ask about factors that may increase the risk for somnolence with RYTARY such as concomitant sedating medications or the presence of a sleep disorder. Consider discontinuing RYTARY in patients who report significant daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require active participation (e.g., conversations, eating, etc.). If a decision is made to continue RYTARY, patients should be advised not to drive and to avoid other potentially dangerous activities that might result in harm if the patients become somnolent. There is insufficient information to establish that dose reduction will eliminate episodes of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living. 5.2 Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion A symptom complex that resembles neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by elevated temperature, muscular rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability), with no other obvious etiology, has been reported in association with rapid dose reduction, withdrawal of, or changes in dopaminergic therapy. Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction in patients taking RYTARY. If the decision is made to discontinue RYTARY, the dose should be tapered to reduce the risk of hyperpyrexia and confusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.3 Cardiovascular Ischemic Events Cardiovascular ischemic events have occurred in patients taking RYTARY. In a placebo controlled clinical study in patients with early Parkinson's disease, 7/289 (2.4%) of RYTARY-treated patients experienced cardiovascular ischemic adverse reactions compared to 1/92 (1.1%) of placebo-treated patients. In an active-controlled clinical study in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, 3/450 (0.7%) of RYTARY-treated patients experienced cardiovascular ischemic adverse reactions compared to 0/471 oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa-treated patients. These patients all had a previous history of ischemic heart disease or risk factors for ischemic heart disease. In patients with a history of myocardial infarction who have residual atrial, nodal, or ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac function should be monitored in an intensive cardiac care facility during the p …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in the labeling: Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Cardiovascular Ischemic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hallucinations/Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Vitamin B6 Deficiency and Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Peptic Ulcer Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Early Parkinson's disease: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and greater than placebo) are nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, dyskinesia, anxiety, constipation, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension. ( 6.1 ) Advanced Parkinson's disease: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and greater than oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa) are nausea and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety population consisted of a total of 978 Parkinson’s disease patients who received at least one dose of RYTARY, and had an average duration of exposure of 40 weeks. Adverse Reactions in Early Parkinson’s Disease In a placebo-controlled clinical study in patients with early Parkinson’s disease (Study 1), the most common adverse reactions with RYTARY (in at least 5% of patients and more frequently than in placebo) were nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, dyskinesia, anxiety, constipation, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension. Table 2 lists adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of RYTARY-treated patients and at a higher rate than placebo in Study 1. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in Study 1 in Patients with Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease Placebo RYTARY 36.25 mg Carbidopa 145 mg Levodopa TID RYTARY 61.25 mg Carbidopa 245 mg Levodopa TID RYTARY 97.5 mg Carbidopa 390 mg Levodopa TID (N=92) % (N=87) % (N=104) % (N=98) % Nausea 9 14 19 20 Dizziness 5 9 19 12 Headache 11 7 13 17 Insomnia 3 2 9 6 Abnormal Dreams 0 2 6 5 Dry Mouth 1 3 2 7 Dyskinesia 0 2 4 5 Anxiety 0 2 3 5 Constipation 1 2 6 2 Vomiting 3 2 2 5 Orthostatic Hypotension 1 1 1 5 Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Study 1 In Study 1, 12% of patients discontinued RYTARY early due to adverse reactions; a higher proportion of patients in the 61.25 mg/245 mg RYTARY-treated group (14%) and in the 97.5 mg/390 mg RYTARY-treated group (15%) experienced adverse reactions leading to early discontinuation compared to (4%) in the placebo group. The most common adverse reactions resulting in early discontinuation were nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Adverse Reactions in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease In an active-controlled clinical study in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 2), the most common adverse reactions with RYTARY that occurred during dose conversion or maintenance (in at least 5% of patients and more frequently than on oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa) were nausea and headache. Table 3 lists adverse reactions occurring in at least 5% of RYTARY-treated patients and at a higher rate than oral immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa in Study 2. Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Study 2 in Patients with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease RYTARY (N=201) Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa (N=192) Period Dose Conversion a % Maintenance % Dose Conve …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Iron salts and dopamine D2 antagonists including metoclopramide: May reduce the effectiveness of RYTARY. ( 7.2 , 7.3 ) 7.1 Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors The use of nonselective MAO inhibitors with RYTARY is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . Discontinue use of any nonselective MAO inhibitors at least two weeks prior to initiating RYTARY. The use of selective MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., rasagiline and selegiline) with RYTARY may be associated with orthostatic hypotension. Monitor patients who are taking these drugs concurrently. 7.2 Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists and Isoniazid Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone, metoclopramide) and isoniazid may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa. Monitor patients for worsening Parkinson's symptoms. 7.3 Iron Salts Iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts can form chelates with levodopa and carbidopa and can cause a reduction in the bioavailability of RYTARY. If iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts are co-administered with RYTARY, monitor patients for worsening Parkinson's symptoms.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of RYTARY in pregnant women. In animal studies, carbidopa-levodopa has been shown to be developmentally toxic (including teratogenic effects) at clinically relevant doses (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data When administered to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis, carbidopa-levodopa caused both visceral and skeletal malformation in fetuses at all doses and ratios of carbidopa-levodopa tested. No teratogenic effects were observed when carbidopa-levodopa was administered to pregnant mice throughout organogenesis. There was a decrease in the number of live pups delivered by rats receiving carbidopa-levodopa during organogenesis. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Levodopa has been detected in human milk after administration of carbidopa-levodopa. There are no data on the presence of carbidopa in human milk, the effects of levodopa or carbidopa on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, inhibition of lactation may occur because levodopa decreases secretion of prolactin in humans. Carbidopa is excreted in rat milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for RYTARY and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from RYTARY or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use In controlled clinical trials of RYTARY, 418 patients were 65 years or older and no overall differences in safety and efficacy were observed between these patients and those under 65 years of age.

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Carbidopa When levodopa is administered orally, it is rapidly decarboxylated to dopamine in extracerebral tissues so that only a small portion of a given dose is transported unchanged to the central nervous system. Carbidopa inhibits the decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa, making more levodopa available for delivery to the brain. Levodopa Levodopa is the metabolic precursor of dopamine, does cross the blood-brain barrier, and presumably is converted to dopamine in the brain. This is thought to be the mechanism whereby levodopa relieves symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION RYTARY is a combination of carbidopa, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylation, and levodopa, an aromatic amino acid, in extended-release capsules for oral use. Carbidopa is a white to creamy white powder, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 244.2. It is designated chemically as (-)-L-α-hydrazino-3, 4-dihydroxy-α-methylhydrocinnamic acid monohydrate. Its molecular formula is C 10 H 14 N 2 O 4 • H 2 O and its structural formula is: Capsule content is expressed in terms of anhydrous carbidopa, which has a molecular weight of 226.2. Levodopa is a white to off-white, crystalline powder, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 197.2. It is designated chemically as (−)-3-(3, 4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine. Its molecular formula is C 9 H 11 NO 4 and its structural formula is: Each extended-release capsule contains 23.75 mg carbidopa, USP and 95 mg levodopa USP, 36.25 mg carbidopa, USP and 145 mg levodopa USP, 48.75 mg carbidopa, USP and 195 mg levodopa USP, or 61.25 mg carbidopa, USP and 245 mg levodopa USP. The inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, tartaric acid, ethyl cellulose, hypromellose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, talc, methacrylic acid copolymers, triethyl citrate, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. All capsule shells contain gelatin and titanium dioxide. In addition, all blue capsule shells contain FD&C Blue #2 and yellow iron oxide. All yellow capsule shells contain yellow iron oxide. All capsules imprinted with blue pharmaceutical ink contain FD&C Blue #2, butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac and strong ammonia solution. 1 2

10 OVERDOSAGE In the active-controlled clinical study, a patient accidentally ingested 4.68 grams of carbidopa/18.7 grams of levodopa contained in RYTARY over a 2-day period. The patient experienced acute psychosis and dyskinesias. The patient recovered and completed the study on a reduced dose of RYTARY. Based on the limited available information, the acute symptoms of levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor overdosage can be expected to arise from dopaminergic overstimulation. Doses of a few grams may result in CNS disturbances, with an increasing likelihood of cardiovascular disturbance (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia) and more severe psychiatric problems at higher doses. An isolated report of rhabdomyolysis and another of transient renal insufficiency suggest that levodopa overdosage may give rise to systemic complications, secondary to dopaminergic overstimulation. Monitor patients and provide supportive care. Patients should receive electrocardiographic monitoring for the development of arrhythmias; if needed, appropriate antiarrhythmic therapy should be given. The possibility that the patient may have taken other drugs, increasing the risk of drug interactions (especially catechol-structured drugs) should be taken into consideration.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied RYTARY (carbidopa and levodopa) Extended-Release Capsules are available in the following strengths: 23.75 mg Carbidopa and 95 mg of Levodopa: blue and white capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 95 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-661-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-661-43) 36.25 mg Carbidopa and 145 mg Levodopa: blue and light blue capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 145 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-662-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-662-43) 48.75 mg Carbidopa and 195 mg Levodopa: blue and yellow capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 195 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-663-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-663-43) 61.25 mg Carbidopa and 245 mg Levodopa: blue capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 245 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-664-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-664-43) 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture. Dispense in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

16.1 How Supplied RYTARY (carbidopa and levodopa) Extended-Release Capsules are available in the following strengths: 23.75 mg Carbidopa and 95 mg of Levodopa: blue and white capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 95 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-661-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-661-43) 36.25 mg Carbidopa and 145 mg Levodopa: blue and light blue capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 145 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-662-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-662-43) 48.75 mg Carbidopa and 195 mg Levodopa: blue and yellow capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 195 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-663-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-663-43) 61.25 mg Carbidopa and 245 mg Levodopa: blue capsule imprinted with IPX066 on the capsule cap and 245 on the capsule body. They are available as follows: Bottles of 100: (NDC 64896-664-01) Bottles of 240: (NDC 64896-664-43)

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
59,404
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: LEVODOPA. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
64896-661-01 64896-661 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-661-01) January 12, 2015
64896-661-09 64896-661 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 25 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-661-09) January 12, 2015
64896-661-43 64896-661 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 240 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-661-43) January 12, 2015
64896-661-99 64896-661 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-661-99) January 12, 2015
64896-662-01 64896-662 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-662-01) January 12, 2015
64896-662-09 64896-662 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 25 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-662-09) January 12, 2015
64896-662-43 64896-662 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 240 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-662-43) January 12, 2015
64896-662-99 64896-662 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-662-99) January 12, 2015
64896-663-01 64896-663 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-663-01) January 12, 2015
64896-663-09 64896-663 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 25 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-663-09) January 12, 2015
64896-663-43 64896-663 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 240 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-663-43) January 12, 2015
64896-663-99 64896-663 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-663-99) January 12, 2015
64896-664-01 64896-664 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-664-01) January 12, 2015
64896-664-43 64896-664 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 240 CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (64896-664-43) January 12, 2015
64896-661 64896-661 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC — January 12, 2015
64896-662 64896-662 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC — January 12, 2015
64896-663 64896-663 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC — January 12, 2015
64896-664 64896-664 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC — January 12, 2015

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.