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

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May 26, 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...

Read the Parkinson's Disease article »

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SINEMET®
(carbidopa-levodopa) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

SINEMET® (carbidopa-levodopa) is a 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-α-amino-β-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene) propanoic acid. Its empirical formula is C₉H₁₁NO₄, and its structural formula is:

Levodopa Structural Formula Illustration

SINEMET (carbidopa-levodopa) is supplied as tablets in three strengths:

SINEMET (carbidopa-levodopa) 25-100, containing 25 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa.

SINEMET (carbidopa-levodopa) 10-100, containing 10 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa.

SINEMET (carbidopa-levodopa) 25-250, containing 25 mg of carbidopa and 250 mg of levodopa.

Inactive ingredients are hydroxypropyl cellulose, pregelatinized starch, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. SINEMET (carbidopa-levodopa) 10-100 and 25-250 Tablets also contain FD&C Blue #2/lndigo Carmine AL. SINEMET (carbidopa-levodopa) 25-100 Tablets also contain D&C Yellow #10 Lake.

What are the possible side effects of carbidopa and levodopa (Atamet, Parcopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR)?

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:

restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or...

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

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.