Parkinsonism:

Indications for: Carbidopa/Levodopa Ext-Rel Tabs

Parkinsonism.

Adult Dosage:

≥18yrs: Do not crush or chew. Patients not receiving levodopa: initially one Sinemet CR 50–200 tab twice daily, at intervals of at least 6 hrs. Others: see literature. Allow 3 days between dosage adjustments. If given at intervals <4 hrs and/or divided doses not equal: give smaller doses at end of day. May add immediate-release Sinemet 25–100 or 10–100 in advanced disease.

Children Dosage:

<18yrs: not recommended.

Carbidopa/Levodopa Ext-Rel Tabs Contraindications:

During or within 14 days of nonselective MAOIs (eg, phenelzine). Narrow-angle glaucoma. Undiagnosed skin lesions. History of melanoma.

Carbidopa/Levodopa Ext-Rel Tabs Warnings/Precautions:

Severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. Asthma. Renal, hepatic, or endocrine disorders. History of peptic ulcer or MI with residual arrhythmias. Suicidal tendencies. Psychosis. Orthostatic hypotension. Chronic wide-angle glaucoma. Discontinue levodopa at least 12 hrs before starting Sinemet or Sinemet CR. Sinemet CR not bioequivalent to Sinemet; see literature when switching forms. Monitor renal and liver function, intraocular pressure, blood counts. May stain body fluids. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers.

See Also:

Carbidopa/Levodopa Ext-Rel Tabs Classification:

Dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor + dopamine precursor.

Carbidopa/Levodopa Ext-Rel Tabs Interactions:

See Contraindications. Orthostatic hypotension with selegiline, antihypertensives. Antagonized by phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone, phenytoin, papaverine. Hypertension, dyskinesia with tricyclic antidepressants. May be antagonized by iron, high protein diets. May cause false (+) urinary ketone test or false (–) urinary glucose (glucose oxidase) test.

Adverse Reactions:

Dyskinesia, GI upset, hallucinations, confusion, psychological disturbances, depression, dizziness, headache, dream abnormalities, dystonia, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, dyspnea, on-off phenomenon, back pain, blepharospasm (may indicate excess dosage), hypertension, anticholinergic effects, anorexia, insomnia, leukopenia, renal and liver function disorders, seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Note:

Formerly known under the brand name Sinemet CR.

How Supplied:

CR—contact supplier; Tabs—100