Sinemet CR and/or Equivalents

Sinemet CR

Sinemet CR Drug Description

Sinemet CR is a sustained release drug combination used for treatment in Parkinson’s disease. . And is a combination of Carbidopa and Levodopa. The drug is available in tablet form containing levodopa and Carbidopa in 1:4 ratio with either. A 200mg drug would contain 50 mg of Carbidopa and 200 mg of levodopa and a 100mg tablet would contain 25mg and 100mg respectively. Doctors prescribe the combination drug either singly or along with other drugs to treat Parkinson’s or Parkinson like symptoms. The drug is usually taken at 4 to 8 hour intervals or higher depending on previous or ongoing medication, symptoms and patients’ individual tolerance and need.

Conditions Treated by Sinemet CR

Sinemet CR is used in treatment of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and to treat Parkinson like symptoms caused by nervous system trauma by intoxication by carbon monoxide or manganese.

Sinemet CR Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

The daily dosage is determined by titration and close monitoring of the patient during the adjustment period. If you are taking Sinemet already and are shifting to the sustained release one, you may feel the effect is reduced early in the morning. Report to your doctor any change in symptoms or symptom patterns such as severity in the morning or at certain times and better relief at other times. If you are on other medication, inform your physician of these drugs to be sure that there is no adverse reaction due to drugs reacting to one another. Take the prescribed dose carefully at the suggested time and report to your doctor frequently until you have regularised the dosage. Since Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, regular follow up as suggested by your doctor is essential.

b.) Missing a dose

If you miss a dose or use a reduced potency maybe because your prescribed potency is not available, you may have some neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Report immediately to your doctor and let him know of the symptoms and the lapse in treatment. If you need to undergo treatment for any other disease or need to be hospitalized and put under anaesthesia for any reason also you should inform your physician. Any change in dosage should be carefully monitored and the regularity of dosage established as soon as possible.

c.) Overdosing

If you accidentally take an overdose, you may experience one or more symptoms similar to those of levodopa overdose like vomiting, disorientation, agitation, insomnia, restlessness, low blood pressure and increased heart beat. Contact your doctor immediately and inform him of the overdose. He will suggest treatment options based on severity of symptoms. Medicines can be prescribed to induce vomiting and in severe cases, the doctor may advise pumping of the stomach.

Sinemet CR Warnings

As with any progressive disease, you must inform your doctor of any medication, allergies or other ailments to rule out adverse reaction to the drug. If you are already on Levodoapa without the carbidopa inhibitor, you must discontinue the drug for a minimum period of 12 hours before switching to the sustained release drug. In particular, if you are suffering from any type of lung disease, heart conditions, kidney or liver conditions, hepatitis, glaucoma a disease of the eye, any type of cancer, or if you have a history of ulcers or have any type of mental conditions, talk to your health care practitioner about these conditions and how to manage them. Pregnant women and lactating mothers must also be cautious when taking the drug. Involuntary movement of muscles or dyskinesia is a condition which can be caused by Sinemet CR. Although this is not a dangerous condition it can become intolerable. If the dyskinesia is severe, you can talk to your doctor and have the dose reduced. Unusual and intense urges are known to occur in people taking medication for Parkinson’s. These include a desire to gamble or engage in unusual sexual activity. If you have any such urges, inform your physician. If you are taking anti Parkinson’s medication, you may be at in increased risk for a type of skin cancer known as melanoma although this fact has not been established. However if you have cancer of any type or are at risk for hereditary or other reasons, it is advisable to talk to your doctor and monitor the progress more frequently. Mental illness can be caused or existing conditions may worsen by taking Sinemet CR as it affects dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Inform your health care practitioner of any history of mental illnesses or conditions. Abruptly discontinuing Sinemet CR can trigger a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome or NMS. Never discontinue Sinemet CR without consulting your physician first. As with first time use of the drug, discontinuing the medication should also be closely monitored for managing any withdrawal symptoms like irregular pulse, heart rate or blood pressure, high fever, and confusion. The drug may cause sudden bouts of sleepiness during the day. This can be dangerous if you are in a situation where the risk of accidents is high like working in high places, with machinery or driving. Discuss these situations with your physician and decide the best course of action. Another reaction of Sinemet CR is dark brown, red or black urine, sweat or even saliva. Although not a dangerous condition, it can bother the patient. Sinemet CR is not advised for pregnant women or lactating mothers.

Sinement CR Side Effects

Like any other medicine, Sinemet CR also causes side effects in some patients. These effects generally do not require treatment or they can be easily managed by your physician. However, long term use can make the side effects intolerable. Clinical Studies of Sinemet CR have revealed the following side effects (figures in bracket indicate occurrence):

• Dyskinesia (16.5%)
• Confusion and/or hallucination (3.9%)
• Nausea (5.5%)
• Urinary problems like infections (2.2%)
• Headaches (2%)
• Dystonia or muscle stiffness
• Respiratory tract infections
• Insomnia
• Diarrhoea
• Other minor effects like back pain, pain in the shoulder and dryness of the mouth.

Sinemet CR Drug Interactions

There are several drugs with which Sinemet CR may interact such as medications for blood pressure, psychotic conditions, and antidepressants This may increase the risk of experiencing side effects or may cause some other problems. Some of these drugs are listed below but this is not an exhaustive list. You should inform your practitioner about any medications you may be taking and ask him about drug interactions.

• Antipsychotic medications
• High blood pressure medications
• Iron
• Isoniazid
• Metoclopramide
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
• Tricyclic antidepressants

If you have any questions about buying discount Sinemet CR online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Sinemet CR and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information