This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- Parkinson's disease
- restless leg syndrome
Brand Name(s): Sinemet
Generic Name: Carbidopa/Levodopa
Instructions
Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.
Avoid taking with a high protein meal. A diet high in protein may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Do not take vitamins or supplements containing iron within two hours of taking this medicine.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
If you stop this medicine suddenly after using it regularly for a long time, you may have withdrawal. Your doctor may slowly reduce your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, or muscle stiffness.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- decreased appetite
- changes in color of urine, sweat, saliva or tears
- constipation
- dizziness or drowsiness
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- dark urine
- vivid dreams or nightmares
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent abdominal pain
- change in behavior
- bleeding or bruising
- chest pain
- confusion
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- depression or feeling sad
- fainting
- fever
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- fast or irregular heart beats
- unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
- uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
- muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
- falling asleep suddenly during usual daily activities
- sore throat
- dark, tarry stool
- suicidal thoughts
- sweating
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
