Sinemet CR (Carbidopa-Levodopa Sustained Release) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Sinemet CR

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Sinemet CR

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SINEMET® CR
(carbidopa-levodopa) Sustained-Release Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

SINEMET® CR (carbidopa-levodopa) is a sustained-release combination of carbidopa and levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and syndrome.

Carbidopa, 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:

Carbidopa Structural Formula Illustration

Tablet content is expressed in terms of anhydrous carbidopa, which has a molecular weight of 226.3.

Levodopa, 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-&alpa;-amino-β-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene) propanoic acid. Its empirical formula is C₉H₁₁NO₄, and its structural formula is:

Levodopa Structural Formula Illustration

SINEMET CR (carbidopa-levodopa sustained release) is supplied as sustained-release tablets containing either 50 mg of carbidopa and 200 mg of levodopa, or 25 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa. Inactive ingredients are hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, and hypromellose. SINEMET CR (carbidopa-levodopa sustained release) 25-100 and SINEMET CR (carbidopa-levodopa sustained release) 50-200 also contain FD&C Blue #2/lndigo Carmine AL and FD&C Red #40/Allura Red AC AL.

The 50-200 tablet is supplied as an oval, compressed tablet that is dappled-purple in color and is coded "521" on one side and plain on the other. The 25-100 tablet is supplied as an oval, compressed tablet that is dappled-purple in color and is coded "601" on one side and plain on the other. The SINEMET CR (carbidopa-levodopa sustained release) tablet is a polymeric-based drug delivery system that controls the release of carbidopa and levodopa as it slowly erodes. SINEMET CR (carbidopa-levodopa sustained release) 25-100 is available to facilitate titration when 100 mg steps are required.

What are the possible side effects of carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa?

You may notice that your sweat, urine, or saliva appears dark in color, such as red, brown, or black. This is not a harmful side effect, but it may cause staining of your clothes or bed sheets.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

nausea, sweating, feeling like you might pass out (especially when you first start...

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What are the precautions when taking carbidopa-levodopa sustained release (Sinemet CR)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to carbidopa or levodopa; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), certain eye problem (wide-angle glaucoma), heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., arrhythmias, heart attack, angina), kidney disease,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/28/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.