Table of contents:
Indications
Sinemet CR is a medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and syndrome. It is a combination of two active ingredients: carbidopa and levodopa.
Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain. Carbidopa can also reduce some of levodopa's side effects such as nausea and vomiting. The combination works together to increase dopamine levels in the brain, thereby improving movement and reducing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
Sinemet CR is a sustained-release formulation, which means it releases the medication slowly over time, allowing for more continuous and consistent symptom control.
Use and Dosage
Sinemet CR comes in the form of tablet to take by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day. Doses are usually taken 4 to 8 hours apart while awake. Doing so can release all the drug at once, increasing side effects risk. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line, and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.
Taking Sinemet CR with food may help to decrease nausea. Avoid a high-protein diet (it decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Separate your dose of this medication for as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of this medication absorbed by the body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Use Sinemet CR tablet regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking Sinemet CR tablet without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when Sinemet CR is suddenly stopped. Also, if you suddenly stop using the tablet, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, muscle stiffness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Sinemet CR (Carbidopa/Levodopa):
- Dark sweat urine or saliva (red brown or black)
- Jerky or twisting muscle movements
- Muscle contractions and
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects of Sinemet CR (Carbidopa/Levodopa):
- Confusion
- Daytime sleepiness
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Fast or uneven heartbeats
- Hallucinations
- High fever
- Hives
- Lightheadedness
- Severe or ongoing vomiting
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sweating
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Tremors
- Uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing lip smacking frowning tongue movement blinking or eye movement)
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Very stiff (rigid) muscles
- Worsening of tremors
Forms and Strength
Sinemet CR (Carbidopa/Levodopa) is available in the following forms and strength:
Carbidopa/Levodopa: Prolonged Release Tablet
- 25/100mg
- 50/200mg
Cautions
- Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma should be cautious while taking the tablet since it may cause mydriasis (pupil dilation) and raise intraocular pressure.
- Patients with a history of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) should be monitored during treatment since some studies have suggested that levodopa can stimulate the growth of melanomas.
- Patients with liver or kidney disease may require lower doses and careful monitoring since this medication can be eliminated more slowly from their bodies.
- Patients with cardiovascular disease should be monitored since levodopa can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Patients with mental health conditions should be monitored for worsening symptoms since levodopa can trigger psychotic symptoms in some patients.
- Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider before using this medication.
- Patients with a history of convulsive disorders should be cautious while taking this medication since it can lower the seizure threshold.
- Patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease should be cautious since levodopa can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Patients with a history of myocardial infarction should be monitored for potential worsening of symptoms since levodopa can cause arrhythmias.
- Elderly patients may require lower doses and careful monitoring since they may be more susceptible to adverse effects, including hallucinations and confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Sinemet CR interact with other medications?
Yes, Sinemet CR can interact with other medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications. Discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before starting Sinemet CR.
Can Sinemet CR be given to children?
Sinemet CR is not typically used to treat Parkinson's disease in children, and its safety and efficacy in children have not been well studied.
How is Sinemet CR different from regular Sinemet?
Sinemet CR is a controlled-release formulation of carbidopa/levodopa, which means it releases the medication over a longer period than regular Sinemet.
Can Sinemet CR be used in combination with other medications?
Yes, Sinemet CR can be used in combination with other medications such as dopamine agonists or MAO-B inhibitors, to improve motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Resources
It's important to purchase Sinemet CR from verified Canadian pharmacy.
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