Sinemet
Carbidopa and levodopa tablets for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa becomes dopamine in the brain; carbidopa stops it breaking down in the body.
All strengths and pack prices
| Strength | Pack | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mg + 10mg | 60 tablets | $79.00 | $1.32 |
| 100mg + 10mg | 90 tablets | $110.00 | $1.22 |
| 100mg + 10mg | 120 tablets | $140.00 | $1.17 |
| 100mg + 10mg | 180 tablets | $200.00 | $1.11 |
| 100mg + 10mg | 270 tablets | $291.00 | $1.08 |
| 100mg + 10mg | 360 tablets | $378.00 | $1.05 |
| 100mg + 25mg | 30 tablets | $121.00 | $4.03 |
| 100mg + 25mg | 60 tablets | $203.00 | $3.38 |
| 100mg + 25mg | 90 tablets | $284.00 | $3.16 |
| 100mg + 25mg | 120 tablets | $366.00 | $3.05 |
| 100mg + 25mg | 180 tablets | $529.00 | $2.94 |
| 100mg + 25mg | 270 tablets | $776.00 | $2.87 |
| 100mg + 25mg | 360 tablets | $1024.00 | $2.84 |
| 250mg + 25mg | 30 tablets | $111.00 | $3.70 |
| 250mg + 25mg | 60 tablets | $187.00 | $3.12 |
| 250mg + 25mg | 90 tablets | $263.00 | $2.92 |
| 250mg + 25mg | 120 tablets | $339.00 | $2.83 |
| 250mg + 25mg | 180 tablets | $491.00 | $2.73 |
| 250mg + 25mg | 270 tablets | $719.00 | $2.66 |
| 250mg + 25mg | 360 tablets | $947.00 | $2.63 |
- 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.
FAQ
Will I receive the original Sinemet?
No. Sinemet is the original brand, made by Merck, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredients (carbidopa and levodopa) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How much does Sinemet cost in South Africa?
It depends on the strength and pack. Sinemet comes in 100mg + 10mg, 100mg + 25mg and 250mg + 25mg strengths, in packs of 30 to 360 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What other names is Sinemet sold under?
In South Africa, carbidopa and levodopa are also sold under brand names such as Carbi-Levo, Lecardop and Carbilev.
What is Sinemet used for?
Sinemet contains carbidopa and levodopa, used for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism.
How long does Sinemet take to work?
Carbidopa and levodopa usually start to work within 30 to 60 minutes, and their effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours. This varies from person to person.
What side effects can Sinemet cause?
The common side effects of carbidopa and levodopa are nausea, dizziness and headache. Less common ones include dyskinesias, orthostatic hypotension and vivid dreams. Serious but less common side effects include severe hallucinations and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which need urgent medical attention.
What does Sinemet interact with?
Carbidopa and levodopa can interact with MAO inhibitors, iron supplements and haloperidol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Sinemet.
Can I buy Sinemet over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Sinemet. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver Sinemet to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →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.