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
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Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
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Take this medicine on an empty stomach. You may eat shortly after taking this medicine to avoid stomach upset.
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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:
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Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
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Skip the missed dose if your next usual dose is less than 2 hours away. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
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You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
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Store at room temperature, away from light, heat, or moisture.
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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.
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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:
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Talk to your doctor before taking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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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.
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Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first asking your doctor.
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This medicine may make you drowsy. Be careful while driving a car or operating machinery.
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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:
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Unusual behavior, mood changes
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Uncontrolled body movement
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Fast heartbeat
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting positions
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Blurred vision
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Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, dry mouth
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Constipation, diarrhea, trouble urinating
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Headache
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Trouble sleeping, nightmares
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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.
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