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Levodopa and Carbidopa

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(lee voe doe' pa) (kar bi doe' pa)

Brand name(s): Sinemet

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

The combination of levodopa and carbidopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement. It also may improve your gait (walk), posture, swallowing, speech, handwriting, vigor, alertness, and sense of well-being and may control excess salivation and seborrhea (oily, crusty, scaly skin).

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Levodopa and carbidopa comes as a regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. Levodopa and carbidopa usually is taken three or four times a day. You may have to take levodopa and carbidopa for several months before you feel its full effect. It may be needed for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levodopa and carbidopa exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking levodopa and carbidopa suddenly without talking with your doctor. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.

If you are switching from levodopa (Dopar or Larodopa) to the combination of levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet), wait at least 8 hours after your last dose of levodopa to take your first dose of this combination drug.

Do not cut, crush, or chew the extended-release tablets; swallow them whole.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking levodopa and carbidopa,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Take levodopa and carbidopa with food. Avoid eating a lot of food that contains vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) such as liver, fish, whole-grain cereals, peas, and beans.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from levodopa and carbidopa are common. Your urine may turn dark; this effect is not harmful.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to levodopa and carbidopa.

Levodopa and carbidopa can lose its effect completely over time or only at certain times during the day. Call your doctor if your Parkinson's disease symptoms (shaking, stiffness, and slowness of movement) worsen or vary in severity.

As your condition improves and it is easier for you to move, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Increase your activity gradually to avoid falls and injuries.

Levodopa and carbidopa can cause false results in urine tests for sugar (Clinistix, Clinitest, and TesTape) and ketones (Acetest, Ketostix, and Labstix). Diabetic patients should use TesTape to test urine for glucose (sugar); better results can be obtained by holding the tape vertically, inserting the lower portion of the tape into the urine sample, and reading the color at the top of the damp area.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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