Sinemet 125 Tablet

Sinemet Tablet is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that can lead to loss of control over certain body functions of individuals and is accompanied by shaking, stiffness and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination. Sinemet Tablet is a combination medicine containing levodopa and carbidopa.

It increases the level of a chemical substance called dopamine, a decrease in the level of this substance is responsible for the symptoms of this disease. Sinemet should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed.

Dosage

Overdose

If you happen to take more than the prescribed dose of Sinemet Tablet, report to the nearest hospital immediately. It may cause rapid, irregular heartbeats, uncontrolled muscular twitching and loss of consciousness.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of Sinemet Tablet, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Sinemet offers relief in symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain.
• Levodopa gets converted into Dopamine. This dopamine gives relief from symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
• Carbidopa helps in maintaining an optimal level of levodopa by inhibiting its breakdown by enzymes before it reaches the brain.

Directions for Use

• Take Sinemet Tablet as a whole with a sufficient amount of water.
• Try to take it at a fixed time every day as advised by your doctor.
• Do not skip the doses even if you feel better.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Sinemet Tablet during pregnancy?

Sinemet Tablet should not be taken by a pregnant woman or woman of childbearing age. However, it can be prescribed in some instances where the benefit of the treatment outweighs the risk to the developing foetus.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Sinemet Tablet while breastfeeding?

It is not advised to take Sinemet Tablet if you are breastfeeding your baby as levodopa passes into breast milk.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Sinemet Tablet?

It is not advised to drive or operate heavy machinery if you have taken Sinemet Tablet as it makes you dizzy and drowsy and can also affect your balance and movements.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Sinemet Tablet?

You should avoid alcohol consumption while taking Sinemet Tablet.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You experience mood changes, sleep attacks or excessive sleepiness.
• You have a history of fits.
• You have or had an ulcer in your stomach or intestine.
• You have had a heart attack or heart disorder or breathing problems.
• You have had kidney, liver or hormonal problems.
• You have a due surgery or operation.
• You have an eye condition called 'glaucoma’, you will need to have regular checks on the pressure in your eye.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to levodopa, carbidopa or any ingredients of Sinemet Tablet.
• If you have a history of skin cancer called melanoma or the presence of moles on the skin which have not been clinically checked by a doctor.
• If you are taking medicines for mental health disorders belonging to a class MOAIs like Rasagiline should be stopped at least 14 days before you start taking this medicine.
• If you have raised pressure in the eyes, it is condition called narrow-angle Glaucoma.
• If you are diagnosed with any serious mental illness.
• If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or if you are a breastfeeding mother.

Side effects

• Uncontrolled movements
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way the Sinemet Tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Especially, if you are taking any other medicine especially to treat Parkinson’s disease.
• If you are taking any iron preparations as it may decrease the effectiveness of the Sinemet Tablet when used concomitantly.
• Medicine for any mental illness may cause worsening of side effects; the dose needs to be adjusted.
• The patient’s response should be monitored when administered Sinemet Tablet with anticholinergic preparations like Benzatropine and Procyclidine.
• You may experience low blood pressure on standing suddenly from lying posture if you are on any antihypertensives.
• Medicine for tuberculosis and epilepsy may require a change in dosage.

Interactions with food items

Absorption of levodopa may be impaired in some patients with a high protein diet. Avoid taking Sinemet Tablets with heavy meals.

Storage and disposal

• Store Sinemet Tablet at a temperature below 30°C.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Sinemet be taken empty stomach?

It can be taken with or without food. Avoid protein meals as it can delay the action of this medicine.

Can Sinemet Tablet cause dark urine?

Yes, Sinemet can turn the colour of your urine, saliva and sweat dark (red, brown or black). This is not harmful and can sometimes also stain your clothes and bedding.

Can we stop Sinemet Tablet?

No, do not stop taking Sinemet Tablet without consulting your doctor. Sudden stopping of this medicine may cause withdrawal symptoms and your condition might worsen. Hence, you should never stop taking this medicine even if you start feeling better.