Generic Name: Arbidopa/Levodopa

Brand Name: Sinemet CR

This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist

Common Uses:
Carbidopa/Levodopaare 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. Tey are used for treating symptoms associated with Parkinson disease and parkinsonism-like symptoms caused by other conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use:
Use Carbidopa/Levodopa as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Use Carbidopa/Levodopa as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Take Carbidopa/Levodopa by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Carefully follow the dosing schedule given to you by your health care provider. It may take several weeks to a few months to notice benefit from use because the dose is carefully adjusted over time.
Swallow Carbidopa/Levodopa whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Some strengths of Carbidopa/Levodopa may be broken in half. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole or if your doctor tells you to break the tablet in half, ask your pharmacist if your strength of medicine may be broken in half.
If you are also taking iron salts (eg, ferrous sulfate), do not take them within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Carbidopa/Levodopa. Check with your doctor if you have questions.
Take Carbidopa/Levodopa on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Carbidopa/Levodopa at the same times each day will help you to remember to take it.
Continue to take Carbidopa/Levodopa even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses.
If you have been taking levodopa, do not start taking Carbidopa/Levodopa until at least 12 hours after your final dose of levodopa.

Warning and Precautions:
Carbidopa/Levodopa may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Carbidopa/Levodopa with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Carbidopa/Levodopa may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Carbidopa/Levodopa Sustained-Release Tablets; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Carbidopa/Levodopa before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Carbidopa/Levodopa may cause the results of some tests for urine glucose or urine ketones to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Carbidopa/Levodopa. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
Patients with Parkinson disease may have an increased risk of developing a certain type of skin cancer (melanoma). It is not known if Carbidopa/Levodopa also increases the risk of melanoma. You may need to have skin exams while you are using Carbidopa/Levodopa. Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual skin growths or a change in the appearance of a mole. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
Some people have experienced new, unusual, or increased urges (eg, gambling, sexual urges) while using Carbidopa/Levodopa. Tell your doctor right away if you notice such effects.
Do not suddenly stop taking Carbidopa/Levodopa. Some conditions may become worse when Carbidopa/Levodopa are suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered by your doctor to avoid side effects.
Gradually increase physical activity as your symptoms improve.
A dark color (red, brown, or black) may appear in your saliva, urine, or sweat after taking Carbidopa/Levodopa Sustained-Release Tablets. This is not harmful.
The effects of Carbidopa/Levodopa might start to wear off between doses. Talk with your doctor if Carbidopa/Levodopa stops working well or if your condition worsens.
Carbidopa/Levodopa may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Carbidopa/Levodopa Sustained-Release Tablets.
Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Carbidopa/Levodopa Sustained-Release Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Important safety information:
If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Carbidopa/Levodopa during pregnancy. It is unknown if Carbidopa/Levodopa is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking Carbidopa/Levodopa, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects:
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  agitation, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, drowsiness, dry mouth, nose, or throat, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain, painful or prolonged erection.
 
Overdose:
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose: If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Do not use this medicine:
if you have any allergic reaction to any component of this medicine

Storage conditions:
Carbidopa/Levodopa should be kept away from heat, direct light, water, moisture at a room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C). The medicine should be kept in a place unreachable for children.

All information given above is a summary. You must visit your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.