Drug name
Sinemet (Carbidopa/Levodopa)
Drug Uses
Sinemet helps to treat symptoms which are affected Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, it treats symptoms that look like symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but are associated with certain other conditions. Sinemet may also be used for purposes other than those listed in its medication guide.
How Taken
Take Sinemet as your doctor determined to. Usually, it is taken on empty stomach by mouth. Use the medication one hour before your meak or two hours after it.
Use the drug with a glass of water following the directions of your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using Sinemet.
You should not take iron salts (within two hours before/after using Sinemet. Address your health care provider in case you have some questions.
Proceed to use this drug even if you feel better in a few days. It is better not to miss your dosages. On condition that you have been using sinemet, take it within not less than twelve hours after the last dose.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Being an antidyskinetic combination, Sinemet transforms into a substance which assists your body in decreasing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Missed Dose
Take this medicine as determined by your doctor. If you omit a dose of Sinemet, take it immediately. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. Then go back to your usual schedule.
Storage
Keep this medicine at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep Sinemet a hermetic and light-resistant container. Store it away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Save this medication beyond the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings Precautions
You must not use this medicine if:
you have allergies to its ingredients;
you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma;
you have skin problems, including skin cancer;
you have taken some MAOI within the last 14 datwo weeks.
Contact your health care provider/doctor immediately in case some of these apply to you.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
You are not adviced to drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Sinemet. Using Sinemet alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
NMS (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) may be provoked by Sinemet. Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome are: fever; stiffness of muscles; confusion; irregular heartbeat; incraesed sweating.
Sinemet may influence levels of blood sugar. Control levels of your blood sugar regularly. Sinemet may influence the results of urine ketones tests.
You are not recommended to stop using Sinemet at once. If you have to change your dose of Sinemet, do it gradually in order not to provoke possible side effects.
A dark color of your urine/saliva/sweat after using this medicineis not harmful.
Laboratory tests may be made when you take Sinebmet. Such tests, including tests for liver function and blood cell counts tests, help to control your health condition and check side effects. You should not avoid all laboratory and doctor appointments.
Take the drug in elderly patients cautiously. It is not recommended take it in children.
On condition you suspect you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. You should discuss all benefits and risks of taking Sinemet during your pregnancy. It is not known whether this medication passes into human breast milk. Stop breast-feeding while using Sinemet.
Possible Side Effects
Medicines may provoke certain side effects. Nevertherless, many people have no/ minor side effects. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects take place:
confusion; insomnia; stomach upset; infections of urinary tract; ; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; sweating;vomiting;constipation; diarrhea appetite loss; nausea.
In case you feel some other effects, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these serious side effects take place:
serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); pain in muscles; abdominal pain; fainting; sore throat; fever; sweating; vision problems; eyes/skin yellowing; pain in chest; confusion; depression; irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; changed stools; vomiting with blood; changes in mood.
More Information
Sinemet should be taken only by those patients for whom it is prescribed. You should not give it to others. If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor. Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using Sinemet.
