Brand name : SINEMET
Pronounced: SIN-uh-met see-are
Generic ingredients: Carbidopa, Levodopa
Why is SINEMET ?

SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) is a controlled-release tablet that may be given to help relieve the muscle stiffness, tremor, and weakness caused by Parkinson's disease. It may also be given to relieve Parkinson-like symptoms caused by encephalitis (brain fever), carbon monoxide poisoning, or manganese poisoning.SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) contains two drugs, carbidopa and levodopa. The drug that actually produces the anti-Parkinson's effect is levodopa. Carbidopa prevents vitamin B6 from destroying levodopa, thus allowing levodopa to work more efficiently.

Parkinson's drugs such as SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) relieve the symptoms of the disease, but are not a permanent cure.
Most important fact about SINEMET without a prescriptions

There is also a regular, non-controlled-release form of this medication, which is called Sinemet. Over a period of hours, SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ), the controlled-release form, gives a smoother release of the drug than regular Sinemet. If you have been taking regular Sinemet, be aware that you may need a somewhat higher dosage of SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) to get the same degree of relief. Your first morning dose of SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) may take as much as an hour longer to start working than your first morning dose of regular Sinemet.
How should you take SINEMET ?

Take SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) after meals, rather than before or between meals. Swallow the tablets whole without chewing or crushing them.SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) releases its ingredients slowly over a period of 4 to 6 hours. It is important to follow a careful schedule, taking your doses at the same time every day.You should not change the prescribed dosage or add another product for Parkinson's disease without first consulting your doctor.

SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Try not to miss any doses, and take them at evenly spaced intervals day and night.

If you miss a dose...

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) side effects

Side effects from SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor immediately.

Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ).

* Side effects may include: Confusion, hallucinations, nausea, uncontrollable twitching or jerking

Why should SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) not be prescribed?

Do not take SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to its ingredients.

SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) should not be prescribed if you have a suspicious, undiagnosed mole or a history of melanoma.
Special warnings about SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa )

Make sure your doctor knows if you have any of the following:

Bronchial asthma
Cardiovascular or lung disease (severe)
Endocrine (glandular) disorder
History of heart attack or heartbeat irregularity
History of active peptic ulcer
Kidney disorder
Liver disorder
Wide-angle glaucoma (pressure in the eye)

Your doctor will monitor your liver, blood, kidney and heart functions during extended therapy with SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ).

If you have been taking levodopa alone, you should stop taking levodopa for at least 12 hours before starting to take SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ).

The carbidopa contained in SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) cannot eliminate side effects caused by levodopa. Since carbidopa helps levodopa reach your brain, SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) may, in fact, produce some levodopa side effects--particularly twitching, jerking, or writhing--sooner and at a lower dosage than levodopa alone or even regular Sinemet. If such involuntary movements develop while you are taking SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ), you may need a dosage reduction.

Like levodopa, SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) may cause depression. Make sure your doctor knows if you have mental or emotional problems.

Muscle rigidity, high temperature, rapid heartbeat or breathing, sweating, blood pressure changes, and mental changes may occur when SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) is reduced suddenly or discontinued. If you stop taking SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) abruptly, your doctor should monitor your condition carefully.

You may see a red, brown, or black coloration in your saliva, urine, or sweat. This is not harmful, but may stain your clothes. Too much stomach acid can interfere with absorption of the medication.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking SINEMET

If SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) with the following:

Antacids such as Di-Gel, Maalox, and Mylanta
Antiseizure drugs such as Dilantin
Antispasmodic drugs such as Artane and Cogentin
Antihypertensives such as Aldomet and Clonidine
High-protein foods
Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Mellaril, Risperdal, and Thorazine
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate and the Parkinson's drug Eldepryl
Methionine drugs such as Pedameth
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Papaverine (Pavabid)
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Tranquilizers such as Dalmane, Valium, and Xanax
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil

If you have been taking an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil or Parnate, you must discontinue it at least 2 weeks before starting to take SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ).

A high-protein diet may impair the effectiveness of Sinement CR. Iron supplements can also reduce its effect.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn child. It is not known whether SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment with SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) is finished.
Recommended dosage for SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa )

Your doctor will tailor your individual dosage carefully, depending on your response to previous therapy and symptoms.

ADULTS
Overdosage

Too much SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) may cause muscle twitches, inability to open the eyes, or other symptoms of levodopa overdosage. Like other medications, SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect symptoms of a SINEMET ( 25mg of Carbidopa and 250mg of Levodopa ) overdose, seek medical attention immediately.