Generic Name: CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA SUSTAINED-RELEASE - ORAL
Pronounced: (lee-voh-DOE-puh/car-beh-DOE-puh)

Sinemet CR Oral Uses

Levodopa and carbidopa are used in combination to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease or Parkinson-like symptoms (e.g., shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by too little of a naturally occurring substance (dopamine) in the brain. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement.

Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain. This can reduce some of levodopa's side effects such as nausea and vomiting, and it may also allow your doctor to increase your levodopa dose more quickly to find the best dose for you. This combination may be used alone or with other drugs for Parkinson's disease.

How To Use Sinemet CR Oral

Take this medication by mouth with food, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Doses are usually taken 4 to 8 hours apart while awake. If you are switching from immediate-release levodopa/carbidopa to this product, your doctor may slightly increase your dose of this medication to get the same response. This medication may take a little longer to work in the morning than the immediate-release medication because it is absorbed slower. Let your doctor know if this becomes a problem. If you have been taking levodopa without any carbidopa and are taking this combination for the first time, wait at least 12 hours after your last levodopa dose before starting this medication. You may want to take your last levodopa dose in the early evening so that you can start your first dose of this medication in the morning. Your doctor will usually reduce your levodopa dose when starting a carbidopa combination to prevent side effects from too much dopamine. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions closely.

This combination comes in different strengths with different amounts of carbidopa and levodopa in each tablet. Be sure you have the correct strength of both drugs. Your doctor may also prescribe immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa or carbidopa alone to be taken with this combination. Make sure you understand your dosing schedule and follow it closely.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. The 50/200-milligram-strength tablets may be broken in half along the score line. Do not break the 25/100-milligram-strength tablets.

Avoid high-protein diets because they may prevent absorption of this medication. Separate your dose of this medication as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (e.g., multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of carbidopa and levodopa available to the body.

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