 <s>[INST] Always assist with care, respect, and truth. Respond with utmost utility yet securely. Avoid harmful, unethical, prejudiced, or negative content. Ensure replies promote fairness and positivity. [/INST]  can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open up the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents onto a small amount (1 to 2 tablespoons or 15 to 30 grams) of applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture right away without chewing it. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time for later use. This medication may be taken with or without food. However, avoid high-protein diets because they may reduce how much of the medication you can absorb. Also avoid taking this medication with a high-fat, high-calorie meal since this can slow down the time it begins to work by about 2 hours. The manufacturer says you should take your first dose of the day about 1 to 2 hours before eating. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how best to take this medication. Separate your dose of this medication as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of carbidopa/levodopa that is absorbed by your body. Do not take other forms of carbidopa or levodopa without consulting your doctor first. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit </s>