How To Use Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet)

Carbidopa-levodopa comes in the form of a regular (immediate release) tablet, extended-release tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and extended-release capsule to take by mouth in divided doses. It is also available as an enteral suspension which can be given into a PEG-J tube for a continuous dose. The number of times you will need to take the medicine will depend on the dosage form. 

Do not cut, crush, or chew the carbidopa-levodopa extended-release tablets or capsules. Take the morning dose of carbidopa-levodopa ER capsules 1-2 hours before your first meal. 

If you have problems with swallowing pills, you can open the extended-release capsules, mix the contents in a small amount of applesauce and consume it right away (do not store the mixture for use later on). 

If you are taking orally disintegrating tablets, handle the tablets with dry hands. Place a tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve, then swallow it with saliva.

If you are using the enteral suspension, your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to use the single-use cassette and pump. 

Read the prescription label carefully and follow a carbidopa-levodopa dosing frequency exactly as advised. Do not take excess dosage of the medicine or take it more frequently than your doctor orders. Taking extra doses may cause serious adverse effects.

Your doctor may start with a low dose of carbidopa-levodopa when initiating treatment and perform dose adjustments every 1-3 days based on your response. 

Carbidopa-levodopa can relieve symptoms of Parkinson disease, but it is not a cure. Do not stop taking the medicine even if you don’t have any symptoms. Stopping carbidopa-levodopa suddenly can lead to serious symptoms such as fever, confusion, muscle rigidity, and unusual muscle movements.

Missed dose: If you forget a dose of carbidopa-levodopa, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Your doctor will give you instructions about what to do if you are planning to disconnect the pump for the enteral suspension for more than 2 hours.

Storage: Store carbidopa-levodopa at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. The cassettes of enteral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused carbidopa-levodopa should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw carbidopa-levodopa in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded carbidopa-levodopa is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on carbidopa-levodopa. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about carbidopa-levodopa, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

Discounted prices for carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet)
 start at $20.92.

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