How it works
Sinemet is a combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa. Levodopa is converted into Dopamine in the brain and Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of Levodopa before it reaches the brain.
Guidelines for Usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
You must take it on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. If you have been prescribed iron salts (eg, ferrous sulfate), then do not take it for at least 2 hours before or after taking sinemet.
Take care that you swallow the tablet whole without breaking, crushing or chewing it unless you have been advised accordingly.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How do I store Sinemet
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
• Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
• All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
• Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
• Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
Using Alcohol
The drug is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using the drug.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Sinemet if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if
• You have narrow-angle glaucoma, undiagnosed skin growths, skin cancer, or a history of skin cancer; you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days.
Additional Information
Sinemet may also increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. This will cause sunburns if you are exposed to the sun for long. So sunlamps and tanning booths must be strictly avoided. You must also avoid venturing out into the sunlight for long without proper clothing or sunscreen protection.
It is normal for a dark color (red, brown, or black) to appear in your saliva, urine, or sweat.
Sinemet can affect the results of certain laboratory tests. If you plan on having it done, then please inform your doctor and lab technician first that you are taking Sinemet.
Sinemet may cause a syndrome called Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This can be fatal if left untreated and has symptoms like fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. If you notice any of these symptoms then contact your doctor immediately.
Diabetes patients: It may affect your blood sugar levels. So monitor them constantly.
Do not suddenly stop taking the drug as some conditions may become worse when it is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered by your doctor to avoid side effects.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Sinemet before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Most doctors advice that certain laboratory tests be carried out periodically to check for the severity of side effects if any and to analyze your response to treatment. These tests include complete blood cell counts and liver function tests. Please ensure that you do not miss out on any laboratory tests.
Elderly people who use Sinemet may be more prone to the side effects of it.
Important Information for Pregnant WomenSinemet
The Drug is categorized under FDA pregnancy category C
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
