Sinemet (Levodopa/Carbidopa)

What is Sinemet?

Sinemet is a combination of two drugs, namely, levodopa and carbidopa.

What is Sinemet used for?

Sinemet is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (such as tremor spasms, muscle stiffness, shakiness, poor muscle control, moving difficulty).

The medicine can also be used to treat Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease caused by manganese intoxication or carbon monoxide poisoning.

How does Sinemet work?

Parkinson’s disease is believed to be caused by reduction of a certain natural chemical, called dopamine, in the brain. One of the active ingredients in Sinemet, Levodopa, changes into a dopamine and helps control movements. The other constituent of this medicine, Carbidopa, prevents breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so that more of levodopa can enter the brain.

How to use Sinemet

Sinemet should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in smaller / larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

If this is the first time that you are taking this combination medicine or if you have been taking levodopa, without any carvidopa; wait for at least 12 hours after your last dose of levodopa (and before taking Sinemet).

The combination medicine can be taken with or without food. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets. Swallow it whole. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you may take it in crushed or broken form, after asking your doctor.

While taking the orally disintegrating tablets (Parcopa), wash and dry your hands. Place the tablet on the tongue and it will soon begin to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow the tablet. Drink a glass of water after the tablet dissolves completely.

Sinemet warnings and precautions

Do not use Sinemet if you are allergic to levodopa or carbidopa. Also, you should not consume this medicine if you are suffering from unchecked and unusual skin lesions, narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you ever had malignant melanoma. Also, the medicine should not be taken if you had used an MAO inhibitor (phenelzine, isocarboxazid, or tranylcypromine) in the past 2 weeks.

Prior to taking Sinemet, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, coronary artery disease, asthma, phenylketonuria (PKU), COPD, breathing disorder, intestinal or stomach ulcer, wide-angle glaucoma, endocrine disease/ hormonal problem, or depression.

You may feel drowsy or you may even fall asleep after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if such things happen after taking Sinemet dose. It is better to avoid performing activities that require alertness, for example driving, while taking this medication.

Avoid consuming iron supplements or taking a protein-rich diet. This can make it difficult for your body to absorb and digest the medicine.

Pregnant and lactating females should consult their doctors before taking this medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Sinemet dose?

If you have missed your Sinemet dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Sinemet overdose?

If you have taken a Sinemet overdose you should seek medical attention immediately.

Sinemet interactions

Before taking Sinemet, consult your doctor if you take isoniazid, metoclopramide, phenytoin, papaverine, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, other Parkinson’s syndrome medications, and medicines used to treat psychiatric disorders.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Sinemet side effects

Sinemet side effects include hives, fever, increased sweating, stiff muscles, extreme drowsiness, falling asleep even after feeling alert, fast/uneven heartbeats, uneven heart rate, seizures, rapid breathing, breathing trouble, pain or difficulty while urinating, uncontrolled shaking, severe nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, depression, suicidal thought, chest pain; uncontrollable movements of eyes, jaw, tongue or neck; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Sinemet, contact your doctor.

You may even have your urine, sweat, or saliva appear darker in color, though this is not a major side effect, it may stain your clothes, blankets or bed sheets.

Dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, stomach pain, headache, blurred vision, insomnia, loss of appetite, diarrhea, heartburn, pain or numbness in the body, tingling, skin rash, itching, cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose are some less serious side effects of Sinemet.