✅ Prescription (Indications):
This modified release (MR) or controlled-release (CR) formulation is used in:
- Parkinson’s disease (especially with fluctuating symptoms)
- Management of “wearing-off” effect in standard Levodopa treatment
- Reducing night-time or early morning symptoms
📄 Description:
- Active Ingredients:
- Levodopa 100 mg
- Carbidopa 25 mg
- Dosage Form: Modified release (also called extended-release or sustained-release) oral tablet
- Common Brand Names:
- Sinemet CR
- Syndopa CR
- Duodopa (intestinal gel version contains the same combination)
- Mechanism of Action:
- Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain to relieve Parkinsonian motor symptoms.
- Carbidopa prevents peripheral breakdown of Levodopa, increasing its availability in the brain and reducing side effects.
- The modified release allows for gradual release of both drugs, maintaining more stable dopamine levels and reducing motor fluctuations.
🌟 Advantages:
- Smoother symptom control throughout the day or night
- Reduces frequency of dosing (compared to immediate release)
- Helpful in patients with “on-off” phenomena or motor fluctuations
- Decreases Levodopa peaks and troughs, lowering risk of dyskinesia
⚗️ Nature of Drug:
- Type: Modified release (MR / CR / ER) formulation
- Class: Dopaminergic agent (antiparkinsonian)
- Route: Oral
- Prescription-only
- Onset: Slower than immediate-release (~1–2 hours)
- Duration: Longer (up to 6–8 hours, varies by patient)
📦 Common Packaging:
- Tablet appearance: Often oval or capsule-shaped; scored
- Color: Varies by brand (may be blue, pink, or brown)
- Pack size: 10 tablets per strip, 10 strips per box (100 tablets)
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
- Protect from light, moisture, and heat
- Keep away from children
👨⚕️ Patient Advice:
Before Use:
- Tell your doctor if you have:
- Glaucoma, heart disease, mental illness, kidney/liver issues
- History of abnormal involuntary movements or hallucinations
During Use:
- Swallow whole – do not crush or chew (destroys extended-release mechanism)
- Take with or without food – but avoid high-protein meals close to dose
- May be used once or twice daily, or combined with immediate-release Levodopa for customized control
- Do not skip doses or stop suddenly
❌ Avoid:
- Alcohol or sedatives unless approved
- Driving if experiencing drowsiness or sudden sleep
- Iron supplements close to the dose (affects absorption)
- High-protein meals around dose time