✅ Prescription (Indications):
This combination is primarily used to treat:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Parkinsonism (symptoms like tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia)
- Parkinsonian syndromes (e.g., post-encephalitic or drug-induced)
📄 Description:
- Active Ingredients:
- Levodopa (100 mg): A dopamine precursor that helps replenish brain dopamine.
- Carbidopa (10 mg): A peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents Levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain.
- Dosage Form: Oral tablet
- Common Brand Names: Syndopa, Sinemet, Atamet (brands may vary by country)
- Mechanism of Action:
- Levodopa converts to dopamine in the brain to improve motor function.
- Carbidopa ensures more Levodopa reaches the brain by reducing its breakdown in the periphery and minimizing side effects like nausea.
🌟 Advantages:
- More effective symptom relief for Parkinson’s than Levodopa alone
- Carbidopa reduces Levodopa dose requirements
- Decreases nausea and vomiting associated with Levodopa
- Improves mobility, tremors, and muscle stiffness
⚗️ Nature of the Drug:
- Type: Anti-parkinsonian agent
- Class: Dopaminergic drug
- Prescription only: Yes
- Route: Oral
- Onset of Action: Within 30–60 minutes
- Duration of Effect: ~5 hours (varies by patient)
- Half-life: 1.5–2 hours
📦 Common Packaging:
- Blister packs: Usually 10 tablets per strip
- Box: Typically 10 strips (100 tablets)
- Appearance: Round or oval tablets; color may vary depending on brand
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
- Keep away from light, heat, and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children