Sinemet CR (Carbidopa-Levodopa Sustained Release) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Parkinson's Disease »

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

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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.

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