Sinemet

Sinemet is a prescription drug approved to treat Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism caused by encephalitis, manganese poisoning, or carbon monoxide poisoning. The medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken three or four times a day. Sinemet is not suitable for everyone and can cause bothersome and serious side effects. Common side effects of Sinemet include nausea, vomiting, and involuntary movements.

 

What Is Sinemet?

Sinemet® (carbidopa-levodopa) is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is also approved to treat parkinsonism (Parkinson-like symptoms) due to encephalitis (inflammation or infection of the brain), manganese poisoning, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
 
(Click Sinemet Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Sinemet?

Sinemet is made by Merck & Co., Inc. and is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
 

How Does Sinemet Work?

Dopamine deficiency (caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells) in certain parts of the brain may be responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Although it would make sense to give dopamine to help treat Parkinson's, this does not work, as dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine, which means the body can use levodopa to make dopamine. Unlike dopamine, levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier.
 
Levodopa is almost always given in combination with carbidopa. Carbidopa delays the conversion of levodopa into dopamine until it reaches the brain, preventing or diminishing some of the side effects that often accompany levodopa therapy. Carbidopa also reduces the amount of levodopa needed for Parkinson's disease treatment.
 

When and How to Take Sinemet

General considerations for when and how to take Sinemet include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually three or four times a day.
     
  • The protein in food can decrease the absorption of Sinemet into the body. Some healthcare providers recommended taking the drug on an empty stomach or with a low-protein diet.
     
  • Take the medication at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Sinemet will not work if you stop taking it. Do not stop taking the drug suddenly without first talking to your healthcare provider.
     

Dosing Information for Sinemet

The dose of Sinemet your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Sinemet (especially if you develop bothersome side effects)
  • Other medications you are taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Sinemet Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Sinemet

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Sinemet. Most people tolerate it relatively well at first, especially if the dose is slowly increased. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. As time goes by, it is common for more bothersome and serious side effects of Sinemet to occur.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Involuntary movements.
     
(Click Sinemet Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Sinemet

Sinemet can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Sinemet Drug Interactions).
 

Sinemet: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Sinemet if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Sinemet Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Sinemet?

People who take too much Sinemet may experience symptoms such as:
 
If you happen to take too much Sinemet, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Sinemet Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Sinemet Be Stored?

Sinemet tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep Sinemet and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Sinemet?

If you forget to take a dose of Sinemet, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Sinemet

Sinemet tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Sinemet 10-100 mg (10 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa)
  • Sinemet 25-100 mg (25 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa)
  • Sinemet 25-250 mg (25 mg of carbidopa and 250 mg of levodopa).
     

Generic Sinemet

Sinemet is available in generic form (see Generic Sinemet).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;