✅ Prescription (Indications):
This higher-dose combination is prescribed for:
- Moderate to severe Parkinson’s disease
- Parkinsonian syndromes requiring stronger dopaminergic effect
- Patients who need higher Levodopa doses due to disease progression
📄 Description:
- Active Ingredients:
- Levodopa 250 mg: Converts to dopamine in the brain to relieve motor symptoms.
- Carbidopa 25 mg: Inhibits peripheral metabolism of Levodopa, allowing more of it to reach the brain and reducing side effects.
- Formulation: Oral tablet
- Common Brands:
- Sinemet 250/25
- Syndopa 250
- Atamet 250
- Mechanism of Action:
- Levodopa replenishes brain dopamine.
- Carbidopa reduces peripheral breakdown of Levodopa, enhances its CNS availability, and minimizes nausea/hypotension.
🌟 Advantages:
- Designed for patients needing higher Levodopa doses for symptom control
- Helps reduce “off-time” and improve “on-time” in advanced Parkinson’s
- Carbidopa reduces gastrointestinal side effects and improves Levodopa efficacy
- Standardized fixed-dose makes dosing more convenient
⚗️ Nature of Drug:
- Category: Dopaminergic agent
- Class: Antiparkinsonian
- Type: Prescription-only
- Route: Oral
- Typical Dosage: ½ to 1 tablet 2–4 times daily, depending on individual response
- Onset: 30–60 minutes
- Duration: ~4–6 hours per dose
- Half-life: 1.5–2 hours (Levodopa)
📦 Common Packaging:
- Blister strip: 10 tablets per strip
- Box: 100 tablets (10 strips of 10)
- Tablet appearance: Oval or round, color varies by brand (e.g., blue, yellow, or white)
🧊 Storage:
- Store below 25°C (77°F)
- Protect from moisture, sunlight, and heat
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep away from children
👨⚕️ Patient Advice:
Before Starting:
- Tell your doctor if you have:
- Glaucoma, psychiatric illness, heart conditions, or ulcers
- Any previous Levodopa-induced dyskinesia
During Treatment:
- Take with a low-protein snack or meal if needed to reduce nausea
- Avoid high-protein meals near dose time – protein interferes with Levodopa absorption
- Do not stop suddenly – risk of withdrawal syndrome or worsening of Parkinsonism
- Regular follow-ups are important to adjust dosage and monitor for side effects