What is carbidopa and levodopa (Atamet, Parcopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR)?
Levodopa is converted to a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) in the brain. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be caused by low levels of dopamine in the brain.
Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it can reach the brain and take effect.
The combination of carbidopa and levodopa is used to treat Parkinson symptoms such as muscle stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control. This medication is also used to treat Parkinson symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication.
Carbidopa and levodopa may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
round, yellow, mint, imprinted with 25/100, SP 342
Parcopa 25 mg-250 mg
round, blue, mint, imprinted with 25/250, SP 343
Sinemet 10 mg-100 mg
round, blue, imprinted with 647
Sinemet 10-100 mg
oval, blue, imprinted with 647, SINEMET
Sinemet 25 mg-100 mg
round, yellow, imprinted with 650
Sinemet 25 mg-250 mg
round, blue, imprinted with 654
Sinemet 25-250
elliptical, blue, imprinted with SINEMET, 654
Sinemet CR 25 mg-100 mg
oval, purple, imprinted with 601
Sinemet CR 25-100
elliptical, pink, imprinted with SINEMET CR, 601
Sinemet CR 25-250
elliptical, peach, imprinted with SINEMET CR, 521
Sinemet CR 50 mg-200 mg
oval, purple, imprinted with 521
What are the possible side effects of carbidopa and levodopa (Atamet, Parcopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR)?
You may notice that your sweat, urine, or saliva appears dark in color, such as red, brown, or black. This is not a harmful side effect, but it may cause staining of your clothes or bed sheets.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
worsening of tremors (uncontrolled shaking);
high fever, stiff muscles, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about carbidopa and levodopa (Atamet, Parcopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR)?
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment.Also tell your doctor if the effects of this medication seem to wear off quickly in between doses.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Sinemet CR). Swallow the pill whole.
This medication may cause you to fall asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.
You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medication. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking carbidopa and levodopa.