Levodopa + Carbidopa (FC tablet)
Generic Details
Generic Name
Levodopa-Carbidopa-FC Tablet
Other Names
- Sinemet
Drug Class
- Antiparkinsonian
Chemical Formula
Molecular Weight
Mechanism of Action
- Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine and is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa inhibits the peripheral breakdown of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to enter the brain and be converted to dopamine.
Indications
- Parkinson's Disease
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 25mg/100mg
- 10mg/100mg
- 25mg/250mg
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustments may be needed in the elderly
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Dyskinesias
- Hallucinations
- Orthostatic Hypotension
Contraindications
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- History of melanoma
Pregnancy Category
- C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Unknown if excreted in breast milk, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Metoclopramide
Overdose Symptoms
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Dyskinesias
- Hypotension
Antidote for Overdose
- Activated charcoal may be used within 1 hour of overdose
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Excreted mainly in the urine
Precautions
- Caution in patients with history of psychiatric disorders
- Monitor for signs of dyskinesias
Warnings
- May cause sudden onset of sleep during daily activities
- Do not discontinue abruptly
Others
- It is recommended to take levodopa-carbidopa tablets on an empty stomach to avoid interference with protein in the diet.