Levodopa/Carbidopa (By Mouth)

Carbidopa (kar-bi-DOE-pa), Levodopa (lee-voe-DOE-pa)

Treats symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking, stiffness, and slow movement.

Brand Name(s):

Sinemet CR, Sinemet 10-100, Sinemet 25-100, Sinemet 25-250
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to levodopa or carbidopa, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. You may eat shortly after taking this medicine to avoid stomach upset.
• Do not chew or crush the extended-release (Sinemet CR®) tablets. Swallow them whole with a full glass of water.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Skip the missed dose if your next usual dose is less than 2 hours away. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from light, heat, or moisture.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid taking vitamin B6 or eating large amounts of foods that contain this vitamin (such as liver, fish, whole-grain cereals, peas, and beans).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk to your doctor before taking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have asthma, emphysema or other lung diseases, heart disease, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or mental problems.
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first asking your doctor.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Be careful while driving a car or operating machinery.
• To avoid dizziness from this medicine, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Unusual behavior, mood changes
• Uncontrolled body movement
• Fast heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting positions
• Blurred vision
• Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, dry mouth
• Constipation, diarrhea, trouble urinating
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping, nightmares
• Pink or red colored urine, dark colored sweat or saliva

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.