GENERIC NAME: LEVODOPA WITH CARBIDOPA - ORAL SUSTAINED RELEASE (lee-voh-DOE-puh WITH car-beh-DOE-puh)
BRAND NAME(S): Sinemet CR
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is used to make levodopa more effective. Carbidopa has no effect when given alone.
HOW TO USE: Take this drug as directed. It may take a few weeks before the full benefits of this medication are observed. If you are changing from plain levodopa to this drug, levodopa must be discontinued for 8 hours before taking this combination drug. If stomach upset occurs, this drug may be taken with food or milk. Consult with your doctor. Do not crush or chew the tablets. The 50/200mg strength tablets may be broken in half. Do not break the 25/100mg strength tablets in half; doing so will change the drug's release system and may increase the possibility of side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, or trembling of the hands. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while taking this medication: vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), chest pain, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, mental/mood changes. May cause darkening of the urine or sweat. This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Change positions slowly and be careful on stairs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication can cause false results in urine glucose testing in diabetes. TesTape should be used to test urine for accurate results. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, skin cancer, breathing problems, heart disease, gland problems (e.g., diabetes, thyroid), kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers, depressions, blood disorders. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Levodopa appears in breast milk. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Parkinson's Disease - Learn about Parkinson's Disease - symptoms, causes and treatment for this neurological brain disorder that affects the central nervous system on MedicineNet.com
- Dystonia - Learn about the many forms of dystonia, a state of abnormal (either excessive or inadequate) muscle tone. Includes what it is, symptoms, patterns, causes, and treatment of dystonia.
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