SinemetCR

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for SinemetCR

Uses
This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is used to make levodopa more effective. Carbidopa has no effect when given alone.

Notes

Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history and the medications you are taking.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.

SinemetCR

How To Use

Take this drug as directed.
It may take a few weeks before the full benefits of this medication are observed.
If you are changing from plain levodopa to this drug, levodopa must be discontinued for 8 hours before taking this combination drug.
If stomach upset occurs, this drug may be taken with food or milk.
Consult with your doctor.
Tablets may be broken in half but should not be crushed or chewed.

Side Effects

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, unusual body odor or trembling of the hands.
These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid) chest pain, irregular heartbeat, skin rash or mood or mental changes while taking this medication.
May cause darkening of the urine or sweat.
This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped.
May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position.
Change positions slowly and be careful on stairs.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication can cause false results in urine glucose testing in diabetes.
TesTape should be used to test urine for accurate results.
Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, history of skin cancer, breathing problems, heart, kidney, liver, endocrine disease, ulcers, depression or blood disorders.
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Levodopa appears in breast milk.
Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered and take any remaining dose for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs used for depression or anxiety, iron vitamins, phenytoin, blood pressure drugs, pyridoxine, and of any other drugs used for Parkinson's disease.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.