Merck Sharp & Dohme Sinemet

Description

Active Ingredient: This medicine is composed of two active ingredients Carbidopa and Levodopa.  Carbidopa is a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor so that to prevent the conversion of levodopa to dopamine. The ingredient has no antiparkinson activity by itself but it reduces peripheral adverse effects in the management of Parkinson’s disease. It actively plays a role aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase inhibitor, an antiparkinson drug, and a dopaminergic agent. Levodopa is an Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylation Inhibitor, which acts as a DOPA Decarboxylase Inhibitor. It is an amino acid precursor of dopamine that treats Parkinson’s disease.

Indications: The combination of two ingredients in a medicine Sinemet is indicated to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and similar symptoms develop after encephalitis i.e. swelling of the brain or injury to the nervous system caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese poisoning. Symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, are caused by a lack of dopamine. The component Levodopa works by being converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain. This results in less nausea and vomiting.

Action Mechanism: A combination of two ingredients, Sinemet pill is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This disease is caused by low levels of dopamine in certain parts of the brain. When one of the active components crosses into the brain through the “blood-brain barrier”. it is converted to dopamine. That increases in brain dopamine concentrations, which helps to improve nerve conduction and assist the movement disorders in Parkinson’s disease. Carbidopa ingredient does not cross the blood-brain barrier but prevents the breakdown of levodopa before it crosses into the brain.

Dosages: This effective medicine is available in dosages as follows:

• Carbidopa 100 mg + Levodopa 10 mg: The extended-release tablet is usually taken three to five times a day, exactly as prescribed by the doctor
• Carbidopa 250 mg + Levodopa 25 mg: It is to be consumed 3 to 5 times a day with or without food as directed by the doctor

Note: Avoid driving or other activities that require alertness after taking this medicine.