From the FDA Drug Label
As with levodopa, treatment with carbidopa and levodopa orally disintegrating tablets may increase the possibility of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with a history of peptic ulcer The carbidopa-levodopa medication may cause an ulcer, as it may increase the possibility of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with a history of peptic ulcer 1.
From the Research
Several medications in this list can potentially cause ulcers, including carbidopa-levodopa, escitalopram, and Xtandi (enzalutamide), while pantoprazole is used to treat and prevent ulcers. The medications that may contribute to ulcer formation are:
- carbidopa-levodopa, which can irritate the stomach lining
- escitalopram, which may increase bleeding risk
- Xtandi (enzalutamide), which lists mouth ulceration as a potential side effect On the other hand, the following medications are not typically associated with ulcer formation:
- Bystolic (nebivolol)
- Trazodone
- Amantadine
- Fenofibrate
- Topical ketoconazole cream (which is applied to the skin) It's essential to note that the combination of multiple medications can sometimes increase ulcer risk, especially in patients with other risk factors like advanced age, history of ulcers, or concurrent use of NSAIDs 2. Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers, especially when used in patients who require continued NSAID therapy 3, 4. If you're experiencing ulcers while taking these medications, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your regimen or add protective medications.