Sinemet
Sinemet is a drug given against tremor, weakness and muscle stiffness caused by Parkinson's disease.
Drug Uses
An antidyskinetic combination, Sinemet comes with Levodopa and Carbidopa. Levodopa acts on the cells of the brain and helps in getting relief from the various symptoms of Parkinson disease. It is Carbidopa that helps Levodopa to reach the brain.
How Taken
Sinemet is an oral medicine and has to be taken at least an hour before or two hours after food in empty stomach. The drug has to be swallowed only and not chewed or broken. This is because Sinemet is a slow releasing tablet. Well, if you are taking any iron salts, take care not to have them two hours and two hours after Sinemet.
Missed Dose
You will have good results only if Sinemet is taking on a regular basis. Never give up taking Sinemet once you feel well. Well, it is better never to miss any dosage. But if you have forgetten a dose, you can take the medicine once you remember it. Well, take care that the missed dose is not taken if he time for the scheduled dosage is so near. Never take two dosages of Sinemet.
If you feel of having taken an overdose of Sinemet, better consult the doctor in no time.
More Information
Before the drug is scribbled, discuss with your physician about all the problems related to your health. It is only when the doctor know your complete health history will he be able to prescribe the right prescription.
Tell your doctor if you are having any heart disease, irregular heartbeat, ulcer, mood disorders, blood pressure, seizures, asthma, liver or lung or kidney problems, Hormone problems, stomach problems or intestinal bleeding and glaucoma.
It is good not to get pregnant while taking Sinemet. In case you become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately as sometimes the drug may cause harm to the unborn babe. Though it is not yet known if Sinemet passes into breast milk, the drug should only be taken after checking with your doctor.
Elderly people should use Sinemet tablet with caution, as they are more prone to the side effects. The drug is not prescribed for children.
Doctors normally do not prescribe Sinemet if you have any allergies to the ingredient in the drug, undiagnosed skin growths, narrow angle glaucoma and skin cancer. The drug is also not given if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
Warnings/Precautions
Some persons can come across drowsiness and dizziness while taking the tablets. So be careful not to drive or perform any hard task after taking the Sinemet. While taking Sinemet, do not drink alcohol as it only increases the side effects.
When you talk with your doctor, you should also inform him about all the medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs that you take. Some drugs like MAOIs, Tricyclic antidepressants, Metoclopramide and Butyrophenones, are known to interact with Sinemet.
Side effects
Certain side effects seen with Sinemet are confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, increased sweating, appetite loss, nausea, upset stomach and vomiting.
Some of the severe side effects of Sinemet include tarry stools, chest pain, depression, fever, muscle pain, severe abdominal pain, sore throat and unusual bleeding.
Levodopa or Whole broad beans and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors