Sinemet
Carbidopa and levodopa tablets for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa becomes dopamine in the brain; carbidopa stops it breaking down in the body.
Sinemet details
- Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease · Parkinsonism
- Alternative names
- carbidopa, levodopa
- Therapeutic class
- Decarboxylase Inhibitor, Dopamine Precursor Combination
- Pharmacological class
- Antiparkinsonian Agent
- Known off-label uses
- restless legs syndrome
- Contraindications
- narrow-angle glaucoma; concurrent MAO inhibitors; history of melanoma
- Minor side effects
- nausea; dizziness; headache
- Moderate side effects
- dyskinesias; orthostatic hypotension; vivid dreams
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Merck
- Onset Time
- 30–60 minutes
- Duration
- 4–6 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C. Protect from light.
- Drug interactions
- MAO Inhibitors; Iron Supplements; Haloperidol
- Age restrictions
- Approved for adults.
Serious side effects
severe hallucinations, requires immediate medical attention; neuroleptic malignant syndrome, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Carbidopa and levodopa tablets for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa becomes dopamine in the brain; carbidopa stops it breaking down in the body.
Mechanism of action
Levodopa converts to dopamine centrally, while carbidopa blocks peripheral conversion to minimise systemic side effects.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Use if potential benefits exceed risks. Breastfeeding: May suppress lactation.
What you will receive
Sinemet names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Carbidopa / Levodopa at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.