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Sinemet CR
(levodopa - carbidopa)-
In this factsheet:
- How does Sinemet CR work? What will it do for me?
- How should I use Sinemet CR?
- What form(s) does Sinemet CR come in?
- Who should NOT take Sinemet CR?
- What side effects are possible with Sinemet CR?
- Are there any other precautions or warnings for Sinemet CR?
- What other drugs could interact with Sinemet CR?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
| 02028786 | SINEMET CR 100/25 |
| 00870935 | SINEMET CR 200/50 |
How does Sinemet CR work? What will it do for me?
Levodopa and carbidopa are used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa helps to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain that produces symptoms. Levodopa can be used alone, but adding carbidopa lowers the amount of levodopa that is required and may reduce some of the side effects such as nausea and vomiting that are associated with levodopa. Although levodopa helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, it does not slow down the progression of the disease.
Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.
How should I use Sinemet CR?
Treatment with levodopa - carbidopa should be started slowly and increased gradually to reduce the risk of side effects while gaining maximum benefit from the medication. The recommended starting dose for people not already taking levodopa is 1 tablet levodopa 100 mg - carbidopa 25 mg three times a day. Your doctor will usually increase the dosage by 1 tablet daily every three days until the best results occur with the least amount of side effects. When the daily dose rises above 3 tablets daily, the dose should be divided into four to six daily doses.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one above, do not change the way that you are takingthe medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible. If it is within two hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular schedule. Do not double doses. If you miss more than one dose, check with your doctor.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Sinemet CR come in?
Sinemet CR 100/25
Each pink, oval-shaped, biconvex, compressed tablet, engraved "601" with bar on one side and "SINEMET CR" on the other, contains levodopa 100 mg and carbidopa 25 mg (anhydrous equivalent). Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer and red ferric oxide.
Sinemet CR 200/50
Each peach-coloured, oval-shaped, biconvex, scored compressed tablet, engraved "521" on one side and "SINEMET CR" on the other, contains levodopa 200 mg and carbidopa 50 mg (anhydrous equivalent). Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer and red ferric oxide.
Gluten- and tartrazine-free.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.Who should NOT take Sinemet CR?
Levodopa - carbidopa should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to levodopa, carbidopa, or any of the ingredients of the medication
- cannot take sympathomimetic amines (e.g., epinephrine)
- has used an MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within the past two weeks, and MAO inhibitors should not be used within two weeks after taking levodopa - carbidopa
- has active heart disease, blood related diseases, endocrine disease, liver disease, lung disease, or kidney disease
- has narrow-angle glaucoma
- has suspicious undiagnosed skin lesions or a history of melanoma
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