You should not use Sinemet if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.
Do not use Sinemet if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Sinemet if you are allergic to carbidopa or levodopa, or if you have:
narrow-angle glaucoma.
Do not use Sinemet if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.
To make sure Sinemet is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart attack;
liver or kidney disease;
an endocrine (hormonal) disorder;
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
open-angle glaucoma; or
depression, mental illness, or psychosis.
People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take Sinemet?
Take Sinemet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
If you already take levodopa, you must stop taking it at least 12 hours before you start taking Sinemet.
Sinemet can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times.
The tablet is sometimes broken in half to give the correct dose. Always swallow a whole or half tablet without chewing or crushing.
It may take up to several weeks of using Sinemet before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment. Also tell your doctor if the effects of this medication seem to wear off quickly in between doses.
If you use Sinemet long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Sinemet.
Do not stop using Sinemet suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
