Sinemet, Tablets

Chemical Name: CARBIDOPA and LEVODOPA

Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Common uses

This medicine is an antidyskinetic combination used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease-like conditions that may occur due to certain injuries or diseases of the nervous system. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking any non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, or furazolidone), or if you have taken any non-selective MAOIs in the last two weeks. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other medicine to treat Parkinson's disease (such as selegiline or entocapone), any medicine for high blood pressure, phenothiazines (such as thioridazine, chlorpromazine, or promethazine), medicine for mood or emotional disorders (such as haloperidol or risperidone), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or imipramine), apomorphine, isoniazid, phenytoin, papaverine, or metoclopramide. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including mental or mood disorders, seizures, heart or blood pressure problems, asthma or lung problems, liver or kidney problems, blood or hormone problems, stomach problems (such as ulcers, or stomach or intestinal bleeding), glaucoma, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. ROUTINE USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history or narrow-angle glaucoma, certain types of skin cancer (melanoma), or if you have suspicious, undiagnosed skin lesions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. DO NOT TAKE IRON OR VITAMINS THAT CONTAIN IRON within 2 hours of taking this medicine. Diets high in protein may prevent your body's ability to absorb this medicine. Dietary protein should be eaten evenly throughout the day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU HAVE BEEN TAKING LEVODOPA, do not start taking this medicine until at least 12 hours after your final dose of levodopa. IF YOU HAVE HAD A HEART ATTACK AND HAVE AN IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT, you may need to be observed in a hospital or similar setting where heart function monitoring may be performed when starting or changing doses of this medicine. THE EFFECTS OF THIS MEDICINE might start to "wear-off" between doses. Talk with your doctor if this medicine stops working well or if your condition worsens. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, kidney function, heart function, blood pressure, and blood tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, drowsiness, or fainting. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. THIS MEDICINE MAY OCCASIONALLY CAUSE A DARK COLOR (red, brown, or black) to appear in saliva, urine, or sweat. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES MELLITUS, this medicine may cause false test results with some urine glucose or urine ketone tests. Check with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, taste changes, upset stomach, loss of appetite, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience severe lightheadedness or fainting; irregular heartbeat; confusion; hallucinations; vision changes (such as blurred vision or double vision); severe abdominal pain; blood in your vomit; black, tarry stools; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes; sore throat; or fever. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience unusual or painful movements or spasms of your face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, arms, hands, or legs; unexplained fever or sweating; chest pain; mental or mood changes; feelings of depression; or thoughts of hurting yourself. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, severe dizziness, swelling of your hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.