Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for Parkinson’s disease. Inbrija comes as a powder that’s inhaled into your lungs. It’s typically taken when needed for symptoms of off-episodes.

Inbrija is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage off-episodes in people with Parkinson’s disease who are also taking carbidopa/levodopa (Rytary, Sinemet).

Inbrija belongs to a drug class called aromatic amino acids. Inbrija is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Inbrija, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Inbrija, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Inbrija provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Inbrija, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

The typically recommended dosage for Inbrija is described below.

Inbrija form

Inbrija comes as a powder that’s contained in a capsule. Each time you fill your prescription for Inbrija, you’ll receive a new Inbrija inhaler along with your Inbrija capsules. You’ll place the capsule in the Inbrija inhaler and inhale the contents of your dose when needed.

Inbrija strength

Inbrija comes in one strength of 42 milligrams (mg) per capsule.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Parkinson’s disease

Doctors may prescribe Inbrija to treat off-episodes in people with Parkinson’s disease who are also taking carbidopa/levodopa (Rytary, Sinemet). An off-episode occurs when symptoms of Parkinson’s disease return before the next carbidopa/levodopa dose is due.

If your doctor prescribes Inbrija for your Parkinson’s disease, your dose will likely be to inhale 2 capsules (84 mg) through the Inbrija inhaler. Typically, you’ll take this only when needed for off-episodes. If you’re not experiencing an off-episode, you won’t need to take Inbrija.

You can take Inbrija up to five times per day (420 mg total per day). This is the maximum dose of Inbrija that’s recommended.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Inbrija is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Inbrija is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Inbrija, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

How often you will take a dose of Inbrija depends on the frequency of your off-episodes from Parkinson’s disease. For example, if you experience an off-episode once daily, your doctor will likely recommend taking a dose of Inbrija once daily. But if you notice symptoms of an off-episode four times per day, your doctor may recommend taking a dose four times daily.

The severity of your condition can also affect your dosage of the medication.

Dosage adjustments

If you have a specific side effect from Inbrija called dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements), your doctor may recommend stopping treatment with Inbrija. In other cases, they may recommend adjusting your other Parkinson’s disease medications to best manage your dyskinesia.

You’ll take a dose of Inbrija when you experience an off-episode, during which your Parkinson’s disease symptoms return.

This medication comes as a powder that’s inside a capsule. You’ll place the capsule in the capsule chamber of the Inbrija inhaler.

Next, you’ll attach the mouthpiece and press firmly to puncture the capsule. You’ll put the mouthpiece in your mouth and inhale for several seconds. Then, you’ll hold your breath for 5 seconds before exhaling. If you cough or stop inhaling your dose, restart the inhalation using the same capsule.

One dose of Inbrija is two capsules, so you will need to repeat these steps with the second capsule. Do not inhale the contents of two capsules at once.

It’s important to note that Inbrija capsules are for inhalation only. You should not swallow a capsule by mouth. Each capsule is for one-time use only and should be discarded after use. Also, you should use Inbrija capsules only with the Inbrija inhaler.

If you have questions about how to take Inbrija, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There’s also a helpful video on the manufacturer’s website.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

It’s important that you don’t take more Inbrija than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Inbrija can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Inbrija

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Inbrija. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Suddenly stopping treatment with Inbrija after taking it regularly for some time may cause a side effect called withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion. This can occur if you suddenly decrease your dose, stop treatment, or change your dose of Inbrija.

Symptoms of withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion after abruptly stopping Inbrija include:

  • fever
  • rigid muscles
  • loss of consciousness
  • confusion
  • changes in breathing or heart rate

You and your doctor will periodically reevaluate your need for Inbrija throughout your treatment. If you decide to stop your Inbrija treatment, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over time. This is known as a dose taper. A dose taper helps reduce your risk of withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion when you stop treatment with Inbrija.

Do not stop taking Inbrija unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so. If you have questions about your treatment, talk with your doctor.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Inbrija.

Is the dosage of Inbrija similar to the dosage of Apokyn?

Not exactly. Inbrija and Apokyn are both used to treat off-episodes as needed in people with Parkinson’s disease. However, the forms of the drugs are very different. Inbrija comes as a powder in a capsule that’s inhaled into your mouth and lungs. By comparison, Apokyn comes as a solution that’s injected under your skin.

The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Inbrija to start working?

Inbrija starts to work as soon as you take your first dose. In fact, you should experience the full effects from Inbrija and symptom relief within 30 minutes of taking your dose. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Inbrija treatment.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Inbrija for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Inbrija without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Inbrija that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Inbrija. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.