Drug Uses

How it is taken

Sinemet must be taken by mouth either 1 hour before food or tw hours after it. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Sometimes, it may take weeks or even a few months before you start seeing an improvement in your condition.

Iron salts (ferrous sulfate) must not be taken for at least 2 hours before or after using Sinemet.

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Sinemet is an antidyskinetic combination that is used for the treatment of symptoms associated with Parkinson disease.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Sinemet then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Sinemet may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug. Hot weather, fever or exercise may increase the chances of this occurring. Maintain caution when you get up from a sitting or a lying position.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you have narrow-angle glaucoma, undiagnosed skin growths, skin cancer, or a history of skin cancer or if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days.

Sinemet is known to cause a condition known as Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) which has symptoms like fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. 

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Sinemet and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Sinemet is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Sinemet and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Sinemet may affect your blood sugar level and may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Sinemet should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Sinemet may cause certain lab tests (urine ketones) to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

Sometimes patients spot a dark color (red, brown, or black) may appear in saliva, urine, or sweat. This is normal and there’s nothing to worry.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Sinemet before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Periodic lab tests including complete blood cell counts and liver function tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are confusion, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, taste changes, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, urinary tract infection, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, blood in vomit, chest pain, confusion, depression, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, mental or mood changes, muscle pain or unusual stiffness, severe abdominal pain, severe lightheadedness or fainting, sore throat, thoughts of suicide, unexplained fever or sweating, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual or painful movements or spasms of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, arms, hands, or legs, vision changes (blurred/double vision), yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.