✅ Prescription (Indications):
This Modified Release (MR/CR) formulation is prescribed in:
- Advanced Parkinson’s disease
- Patients experiencing “wearing-off” symptoms, motor fluctuations, or nocturnal rigidity
- Used when higher Levodopa dose is needed with less frequent dosing
📄 Description:
- Active Ingredients:
- Levodopa 200 mg – a dopamine precursor
- Carbidopa 50 mg – a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor
- Form: Modified-release oral tablet
- Common Brands:
- Sinemet CR 200/50
- Syndopa CR 200/50
- Mechanism of Action:
- Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, improving motor function.
- Carbidopa prevents peripheral breakdown of Levodopa, increasing its effectiveness and reducing nausea/hypotension.
- Modified-release allows slower, prolonged absorption, maintaining more stable dopamine levels throughout the day or night.
🌟 Advantages:
- Prolonged effect reduces the number of daily doses
- Helps manage “on-off” effects and fluctuating symptoms
- Improves compliance in patients with complex dosing schedules
- Reduces early morning stiffness or night-time symptoms
⚗️ Nature of the Drug:
- Class: Antiparkinsonian (Dopaminergic agent)
- Formulation: Modified-release (MR/CR)
- Route: Oral
- Prescription-only
- Onset of Action: 1–2 hours (slower than immediate-release)
- Duration: ~6–8 hours (individual variation)
- Half-life: Extended due to modified release
📦 Common Packaging:
- Tablet appearance: Oblong or oval; color varies by brand (commonly light brown or reddish)
- Common packaging:
- 10 tablets per strip
- 10 strips per box (100 tablets total)
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
- Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight
- Keep out of reach of children
👨⚕️ Patient Advice:
Before Use:
- Inform your doctor if you have:
- Glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric illness
- Peptic ulcers, liver or kidney disorders
- Previous intolerance to Levodopa or dopamine agonists
During Use:
- Swallow whole – do not crush or chew (affects release mechanism)
- May be taken with or without food – avoid high-protein meals near dose time
- Used 1 to 3 times daily, depending on clinical need
- Do not stop suddenly – taper under medical supervision
❌ Avoid:
- Driving if feeling drowsy, dizzy, or experiencing sudden sleep
- Iron supplements (interfere with Levodopa absorption)
- Abrupt withdrawal (may worsen symptoms or cause severe complications)
- Alcohol or CNS depressants unless approved by your doctor