What is Sinemet
LevodopaThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLevodopa is a dopamine-like medication prescribed to people with Parkinson's disease. It is able to pass through the blood-brain barrier, which helps it treat symptoms of Parkinson's by supplementing the low levels of dopamine in the brain. To prevent it from breaking down too quickly, levodopa is often combined with a medication called carbidopa. The first levodopa and carbidopa combination product, called Sinemet, was approved by the FDA in 1975.
Sinemetis the brand name
Sinemet Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Sinemet
Levodopa
1975
272
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Levodopa, also called Sinemet, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Parkinson's Disease and carbon monoxide intoxication .Parkinson's Disease
Used to treat Parkinson's Disease (PD) in combination with Carbidopa
carbon monoxide intoxication
Used to treat carbon monoxide intoxication in combination with Carbidopa
Parkinsonism post encephalitic
Used to treat Parkinsonism post encephalitic in combination with Carbidopa
Paralysis agitans
Used to treat Paralysis agitans in combination with Carbidopa
Parkinsonism
Used to treat Parkinsonism in combination with Carbidopa
manganese intoxication
Used to treat manganese intoxication in combination with Carbidopa
Effectiveness
How Sinemet Affects PatientsLevodopa is able to get into the brain, but dopamine can not. To increase the amount of levodopa that reaches the brain, a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor is added. This prevents levodopa from being converted to dopamine outside the brain. Once it is past the blood-brain barrier, levodopa is changed into dopamine with the help of an aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase enzyme.
How Sinemet works in the bodyLevodopa enters the brain, where it is converted into dopamine. This extra dopamine helps to replace the natural dopamine that has been lost due to lower concentrations, and it stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain.
When to interrupt dosage
The quantity of Sinemet is contingent upon the recognized situation, including manganese intoxication, Parkinson's Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The measure of dosage is contingent upon the delivery technique featured in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
carbon monoxide intoxication
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
Parkinsonism
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
Paralysis agitans
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
Parkinson's Disease
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
manganese intoxication
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
advanced Motor fluctuations
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
Parkinsonism post encephalitic
, 100.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 145.0 mg, 42.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 33.0 mg, 195.0 mg, 245.0 mg, 95.0 mg, 175.0 mg
, Capsule, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Respiratory (inhalation), Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet - Oral, Gel - Enteral, Suspension, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Gel, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Capsule, Suspension - Enteral, Enteral, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation)
Warnings
Sinemet ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Malignant Neoplasms
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
cutaneous lesions
Do Not Combine
Common Sinemet Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Azelastine
Major
Levodopa may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Ethanol
Major
Levodopa may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Macimorelin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Macimorelin can be decreased when used in combination with Levodopa.
Methylene blue
Major
Levodopa may increase the serotonergic activities of Methylene blue.
Oliceridine
Major
The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Levodopa is combined with Oliceridine.
Sinemet Toxicity & Overdose RiskThere is not enough information to know if it is safe to take levodopa during pregnancy. Rabbits who were given levodopa and carbidopa had smaller litters, and their babies had physical defects. Levodopa may reduce milk production and be present in breast milk, so it is important to consider this before prescribing levodopa to nursing mothers. Not enough is known about the safety and effectiveness of levodopa in children. Older adults are more likely to have side effects from taking levodopa, but it is usually still safe for them to take it.
Sinemet Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Sinemet?
48 active studies are presently assessing the potential of Sinemet to alleviate Parkinson's Disease, Parkinsonism and carbon monoxide poisoning.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
carbon monoxide intoxication
0 Actively Recruiting
Parkinsonism
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Parkinson's Disease
48 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
Paralysis agitans
0 Actively Recruiting
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
manganese intoxication
0 Actively Recruiting
Parkinsonism post encephalitic
0 Actively Recruiting
advanced Motor fluctuations
0 Actively Recruiting
Sinemet Reviews: What are patients saying about Sinemet?
5Patient Review
12/7/2014 Sinemet has been very effective for me.
4.7Patient Review
4/22/20134.3Patient Review
8/14/2013 I started taking 1/2 tablet three times a day for very frequent falls,with 'freezing of feet' in doorways and balance issues. My neurologist recommended, an increase to 1 tablet 3 times per day, with a 5 hour space between doses, because there seem to be gaps in the Sinemet coverage. I have to be sure and reorder it before I run too low to prevent not having enough, when I need to take the next dose. No nausea or constipation, or other signs aside from occasional increase in naps.
4Patient Review
7/3/2014 I find that this treatment works best in conjunction with pramipexole (mirapex) for RLS.
3.7Patient Review
4/26/20133.7Patient Review
6/11/2013 I have noticed some hair loss since starting this medication.
3.7Patient Review
1/4/2015 My mother's shaking stopped after taking this medication, but she did experience some nausea.
3.7Patient Review
3/27/2017 My mom has been taking this medication for six years. The first four were great, but the past two have been really tough. She's dizzy a lot and depressed, and her off periods are more frequent and much longer now.
2.7Patient Review
6/23/2013 I've been on this medication for two years and it's helped me, but lately I've noticed more fatigue, depression, and blurred vision. Not sure if increasing the dosage would help or not.
2.3Patient Review
10/26/2016 My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and given Sinamet, but it doesn't seem to help very much. Are there any other men out there who have had a similar experience?
2.3Patient Review
3/14/2021 I'm a 53 year old woman who's been on sinemet for 3 years. I take 1 50mg and 12.5mg every 2 hours, but I often experience terrible wear off symptoms, mouth ulcers, and electric shock feelings. My speech has also been impacted negatively.
2.3Patient Review
6/10/2021 I'm giving it a bit of time before I fully pass judgement, but right now I'm not feeling great. Dizzy and unsteady on my feet. My doctor is upping the dosage next week, so hopefully that will help. All I want is to feel normal again.
1.7Patient Review
10/9/2013 This drug was prescribed to me when other drugs stopped working. I had an immediate positive reaction and my ability to function increased on all levels. The only difficulty is remembering to take the pills three times a day.
1Patient Review
10/27/2013 I found this treatment to be more depressing than helpful.
1Patient Review
6/5/2016 Sinemet has helped me a lot, though there are of course some side effects that come with any medication. It's been tough to figure out if the cause of these "side effects" is the pill, my Parkinson's disease, or just aging in general.
Patient Q&A Section about sinemet
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What kind of drug is Sinemet?
"Sinemet is a medicine that is only available through a prescription. It is used to help relieve the symptoms that are commonly associated with Parkinson's Disease. These symptoms include things such as muscle stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control. Sinemet can be taken by itself or it can be taken along with other medications that are prescribed by a doctor. It is important to note that Sinemet belongs to a class of drugs that are known as Decarboxylase Inhibitors."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of the drug Sinemet?
"or mouth sores
The possible side effects of this medication include dizziness,, drowsiness,, blurred vision,, nausea,, vomiting,, dry mouth,, loss of appetite,, heartburn, or mouth sores."
Answered by AI
What is Sinemet used for?
"This medication is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease or similar to Parkinson's disease. The cause of Parkinson's disease is due to the low level of dopamine in the brain."
Answered by AI
How does Sinemet work for Parkinson's?
"Sinemet is a medication that contains levodopa and carbidopa. When taken as a medicine, it is transported to the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. The levodopa in Sinemet is converted into dopamine for the nerve cells to use as a neurotransmitter."
Answered by AI