SINEMET TABLET 25/250mg Tablets

Carbidopa with levodopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremor (shaking), stiffness and slow movement. It is also used for similar symptoms caused by some types of brain inflammation or poisoning.

• Levodopa is turned into dopamine in the brain, replacing the dopamine that is lacking in Parkinson's.
• Carbidopa stops levodopa being broken down before it reaches the brain. This means a lower levodopa dose can be used, with less sickness and vomiting.

It controls symptoms but does not cure Parkinson's. The full benefit can take some time.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same times each day.

• You can take it with or without food, but a heavy, fatty meal may delay its effect.
• Talk to your doctor before making big changes to how much protein (meat, dairy, eggs) you eat.
• Swallow slow-release capsules or tablets whole unless your leaflet says otherwise.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Do not double up.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly. Stopping quickly can cause a serious reaction with fever, stiff muscles and confusion. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, headache, weakness
• loss of appetite, diarrhoea or constipation, dry mouth, taste changes
• confusion, nervousness, nightmares or trouble sleeping
• harmless darkening of saliva, urine or sweat

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• uncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, arms or legs
• chest pain, or a fast or irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations, low mood or thoughts of self-harm
• black or bloody stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• swelling of the face or throat, hives, or trouble breathing
• fits

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have glaucoma, melanoma or an unexplained skin growth
• have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat or a past heart attack
• have asthma or other lung disease, diabetes, stomach ulcers or seizures
• have kidney, liver or hormone problems, or a mental health condition
• take or have taken in the last 2 weeks an MAOI such as phenelzine or selegiline
• take iron supplements or allergy medicines

Keep tablets and capsules in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Sudden sleepiness: it can make you fall asleep suddenly, even while eating or talking. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you, and tell your doctor if this happens.

Unusual urges: tell your doctor if you notice strong urges to gamble, shop, eat or have sex.

Dizziness on standing: get up slowly from sitting or lying.

Alcohol: it can make side effects worse.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.