Lithospermum and Levodopa Oral Inhalation: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Levodopa Oral Inhalation
Lithospermum
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased dopaminergic side effects
Interaction Deep Dive
Theoretically, the dopamine agonist activity of lithospermum may add to that of other dopamine agonists, increasing the risk of dopaminergic adverse effects. Lithospermum likely decreases prolactin secretion via dopamine stimulation1. Animal data suggest that the effect occurs rapidly within 3 hours after injection, subsiding within 6 to 9 hours 2. The magnitude and clinical significance of this phenomenon has yet to be determined in humans. Furthermore, it is not known if the ability to stimulate dopamine receptors is limited to the hypothalamic region or if such an effect will be noted elsewhere (i.e., if patients with psychosis will experience worsening of their condition due to dopamine stimulation secondary to lithospermum). Caution is recommended until the effects on humans and possible implications of a drug-herb interaction with dopamine agonists can be fully determined.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Additive dopaminergic effect
Literature reports
2 reports — tap to read
a) Administration of freeze dried extracts (FDE) of Lithospermum officinale (Boraginaceae) by intravenous injection to rats resulted in reduced prolactin serum levels and hypophyseal stores. When administered diluent, prolactin levels decreased from 36 +/- 8 nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL) serum to 10 +/- 4 ng/mL serum (p less than 0.005) when administered Lithospermum officinale FDE (40 milligrams (mg)/100 grams body weight) within 3 hours post intravenous administration. The authors concluded that Lithospermum officinale possibly impacted prolactin secretion at the hypothalamic site via dopamine stimulation 1.
b) Prolactin levels decreased rapidly below basal values in rats within the first 3 hours following a single intravenous injection of Lithospermum officinale. Prolactin levels returned to control levels within 6 to 9 hours after the injection 2.
Common questions
Can I take Lithospermum and Levodopa Oral Inhalation together?
Increased dopaminergic side effects Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Lithospermum and Levodopa Oral Inhalation interaction?
It is rated minor. Usually limited clinical impact.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Lithospermum or Levodopa Oral Inhalation need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (2)
- Sourgens H, Winterhoff H, Gumbinger HG, et al: Antihormonal effects of plant extracts. TSH- and prolactin-suppressing properties of Lithospermum officinale and other plants. Planta Medica 1982; 45(2):78-86. DOI
- Sourgens H, Winterhoff H, Gumbinger HG, et al: Antihormonal effects of plant extracts on hypophyseal hormones in the rat. Acta Endocrinol 1980; 234(suppl):49. DOI
Keep reading about Levodopa Oral Inhalation
Check another combination
Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.
Still have questions about this combination?
Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.
Ask the pharmacist