Sinemet (Carbidopa-levodopa)

What is Generic Sinemet?

Sinemet consists of Levodopa and Carbidopa. Patients with Parkinson's disease have a Lack of dopamine in the brain and Levodopa turns into it. Сarbidopa in turn prevents its extracerebral decarboxylation and increases its amount.

In what kind of disease treatment Sinemet is helpful?

Sinemet is helpful in:

• Parkinson's syndrome (except in some cases when it is caused by antipsychotic agents);
• Parkinson's disease;
• postencephalitic syndrome (including manganese, carbon monoxide), cerebrovascular disease.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Sinemet?

Before treatment tell a doctor your illness history and don’t forget to mention all allergies that you have ever had. Inform him about drugs that you currently take especially if it is non-selective MAO inhibitors or if you have some of the following diseases: skin diseases (such as melanoma), angle-closure glaucoma, asthma, heart or renal failure, diabetes, seizures, epilepsy.

Doctors don’t prescribe Sinemet to children less than 18 years. Necessarily would be to tell doctor about pregnancy or breast-feeding. It is not studied yet and doctor will decide if to prescribe it to you or if you are women of childbearing age if it would be suitable for you in case of pregnancy. Also it is unknown if it gets into breast milk that is why to avoid serious consequences would be better to stop breast-feeding or taking Sinemet.

How should I take Sinemet?

Usually patients take it internally. Your doctor will choose for you the most suitable dosage. The effect of Sinemet may not appear on the next day that is why decision to stop the treatment or to increase the dosage should be taken only by doctor. Detailed instructions you can find in the package.

Dosage information

Sinemet is presented in a tablet form which you can split. Each tablet contains 10 mg of Carbidopa and 100 mg of Levodopa, similarly 25 mg + 100 mg and 25 mg + 250 mg. There are 10 pills in one pack. Minimal dose is a 4 part of a pill that consists 25 mg + 250 mg which can be gradually increased in few days and maximal dose is 150 mg of Carbidopa and 1.5 g Levodopa. Everybody has their own optimal dose but studies showed that patients who take low doses can feel nauseous. In case of overdose call 911 to perform gastric lavage.

What may interact with Sinemet?

If you take MAO inhibitors currently or you have been taking it during last 14 days then violation of blood circulation may occur. Combination with tubocurarine may reduce the blood pressure. There are medications that reduce the main action of Levodopa such as: tricyclic antidepressants, clozapine, pyridoxine, clonidine, papaverine, phenytoin, reserpine, diazepam and antipsychotics. This list of interactions is not complete that is why you should consult with your doctor and don’t forget to inform him if you follow any diet.

What should I watch for while taking Sinemet?

If you will decide to stop the treatment without consulting with doctor there is a risk of appearance high temperature, muscle rigidity or mental health problems.

If before the treatment you took Levodopa then you should start taking Sinemet in 12 hours after last Levodopa dose and the new dose should be approximately 5 part from the previous. Try to avoid driving or controlling machinery during the treatment.

What side effects may I notice from Generic Sinemet?

There are different adverse effects of varying severity and most common are dose-related and can be controlled by decreasing doses:

• arrhythmia;
• syncope;
• anorexia;
• dry mouth;
• diarrhea;
• bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract;
• constipation;
• darkening of saliva;
• vomiting;
• duodenal ulcer;
• indigestion;
• change in taste;
• headache;
• sleep disturbances;
• hallucinations;
• increased libido;
• rash;
• itching;
• frequent urination;

Of course this list is not complete that is why you should consult about it with you doctor.

To more serious side effects belong: dyskinesia, muscle twitching, blepharospasm, psychoses, depression, palpitation and rarely were noticed spasms.

Each and every side effect is important so immediately after occurring them call your doctor or call an ambulance if you overdose or the side effects are unsafe for your life.

Where can I keep Sinemet?

The storage place should be dry and out of the direct sun rays. Don’t store it in the bathrooms. Keep at 15 °C to 30 °C. Always check the expiration date and don’t use after it because the medication is no longer effective and has become unsafe to use.