SINEMET®\r\n(carbidopa levodopa) Tablets \r\nBrand Names: Atamet, Parcopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR\r\nGeneric Name: carbidopa and levodopa (Pronunciation: KAR bi DOE pa and LEE voe DOE pa)\r\n\r\nDESCRIPTION\r\n\r\nSINEMET® (carbidopa levodopa) is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa for the treatment of Parkinsons disease and syndrome.\r\n\r\nCarbidopa, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylation, is a white, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 244.3. It is designated chemically as (-)-L-α- hydrazino-α-methyl-β-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene) propanoic acid monohydrate. Its empirical formula is C10H14N2O4•H2O, and its structural formula is:\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nTablet content is expressed in terms of anhydrous carbidopa which has a molecular weight of 226.3.\r\n\r\nLevodopa, an aromatic amino acid, is a white, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 197.2. It is designated chemically as (—)-L-α-amino-β-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene) propanoic acid. Its empirical formula is C9H11NO4, and its structural formula is:\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nSINEMET is supplied as tablets in three strengths:\r\n\r\nSINEMET 25-100, containing 25 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa.\r\n\r\nSINEMET 10-100, containing 10 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa.\r\n\r\nSINEMET 25-250, containing 25 mg of carbidopa and 250 mg of levodopa.\r\n\r\nInactive ingredients are hydroxypropyl cellulose, pregelatinized starch, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. SINEMET 10-100 and 25-250 Tablets also contain FD&C Blue #2/Indigo Carmine AL. SINEMET 25-100 Tablets also contain D&C Yellow #10 Lake.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat is the drug Sinemet used for?\r\nIt may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Sinemet is an antidyskinetic combination. Levodopa is transformed by the body and the brain into a substance that helps to decrease tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson disease. Carbidopa helps levodopa to reach the brain.\r\n\r\nWhat does Sinemet treat?\r\nThis combination medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinsons disease or Parkinson-like symptoms (such as shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). Parkinsons disease is thought to be caused by too little of a naturally occurring substance (dopamine) in the brain.\r\n\r\nWhat are the side effects of the drug Sinemet?\r\nLess serious side effects may include:\r\nmild nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;\r\nheadache, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;\r\nsneezing, stuffy nose, cough, or other cold symptoms;\r\nsleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;\r\nmuscle pain, numbness or tingly feeling; \r\n\r\nWhat does Sinemet do for Parkinsons?\r\nSinemet (Levodopa/Carbidopa) Levodopa (also called L-dopa) is the most commonly prescribed and most effective drug for controlling the symptoms of Parkinsons disease, particularly bradykinesia and rigidity. Levodopa is transported to the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine.\r\n\r\nWhy are levodopa and carbidopa given together?\r\nThe drug levodopa is synthesized in the brain into dopamine. It is the most important first-line drug for the management of Parkinsons. Levodopa is almost always given in combination with the drug carbidopa, which prevents the nausea that can be caused by levodopa alone.\r\n\r\nHow does Ldopa work?\r\nCarbidopa-levodopa is used in the treatment of Parkinsons disease. Parkinsons disease is believed to be caused by low levels of dopamine in certain parts of the brain. When levodopa is taken orally, it crosses into the brain through the blood- brain barrier. Once it crosses, it is converted to dopamine.\r\n\r\nMore at Wikipedia
