SYNDOPA PLUS is a combination of Carbidopa and Levodopa which belongs to the group of medicines called Antiparkinsonian drugs. It is used to improve the signs of Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism is a long-term illness caused due loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain which is responsible for producing dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that controls body balance and movements. Symptoms of parkinsonism include slow and unsteady movements, muscle tightness, shaking or trembling, difficulty in walking, balance, and coordination.
Levodopa is a dopamine precursor which converts itself into a material called ‘dopamine’, a chemical messenger that controls balance and movement in the body. Carbidopa is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor which prevents the breakdown of levodopa outside the brain, thereby allowing greater proportion of levodopa to enter the brain.
SYNDOPA PLUS must be used with caution among patients having any form of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes), as it can lead to further damage to the eye. SYNDOPA PLUS is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). It is important for caregivers to notice and report doctor immediately that if the patient develops any addictive symptoms like craving for large doses of SYNDOPA PLUS, unusual behavior, gambling, excessive eating or spending, an abnormally high sex drive or any other activities that could harm themselves or others. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting and abnormal muscle movements.
SYNDOPA PLUS effectively controls the signs of parkinsonism, where levodopa acts by converting itself into a substance called dopamine (a chemical messenger that controls body movement) and carbidopa acts by preventing the breakdown of levodopa outside the brain, thereby allowing greater proportion of levodopa to enter the brain. Collectively they supplement the brain with sufficient dopamine levels which ultimately results in improving the signs of parkinsonism.
Take SYNDOPA PLUS as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine as a whole and do not crush or chew the medicine. Continue to take SYNDOPA PLUS unless your doctor tells you to stop because sudden withdrawal of SYNDOPA PLUS can cause symptoms like mental changes, fever and muscle tightness.
Stop taking SYNDOPA PLUS and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
Nausea and vomiting:
Try to take SYNDOPA PLUS with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food.
Diarrhea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking any medicine on your own for treating diarrhea. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Constipation:
Eat fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve on its own.
SYNDOPA PLUS is not recommended for use in pregnant women and in women who think that they might be pregnant. Consult your doctor before taking.
SYNDOPA PLUS is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking.
Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines, as SYNDOPA PLUS may cause sudden sleep attacks or can make you feel sleepy suddenly.
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking SYNDOPA PLUS, as it could make you feel dizzier or drowsier.
SYNDOPA PLUS should be taken with caution among patients who have or had any kidney diseases in the past. Consult your doctor before taking.
SYNDOPA PLUS should be taken with caution among patients who have or had any liver diseases in the past. Consult your doctor before taking.
Talk to your doctor if you are allergic to Levodopa or Carbidopa.
SYNDOPA PLUS should be taken with caution among patients with heart disease (such as previous history of heart attack, heartbeat problems, circulation or breathing problems). Consult your doctor before taking.
SYNDOPA PLUS is not recommended for use in patients who:
Before taking SYNDOPA PLUS, inform your physician if you:
Use in pediatrics:
Use in geriatrics:
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking SYNDOPA PLUS, inform your physician if you are taking any of the following:
B. Drug-Food interaction:
Try to avoid eating a heavy meal that includes a lot of protein (such as beef, pork, fish, and eggs) while taking SYNDOPA PLUS, as it may interfere with its absorption.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of SYNDOPA PLUS, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital straight away.
Drug | : | Carbidopa, Levodopa |
Pharmacological Category | : | Anti-parkinsonian drugs |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Parkinsonism |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
What foods need to be avoided while taking SYNDOPA PLUS?
It is better to avoid protein rich foods like beef, chicken, pork, fish, and eggs while taking SYNDOPA PLUS, as it could interfere with its absorption.
Are there any medicines that needs to be avoided while taking SYNDOPA PLUS?
Before taking SYNDOPA PLUS, it is better to inform your doctor about all the medicines that you are taking, to avoid the risk of unwanted side effects. It is known that SYNDOPA PLUS can interact with certain medicines used to treat depression (such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). These medicines should be stopped for at least two weeks before taking SYNDOPA PLUS. Also, consult your doctor for more information about the medicines that needs to be avoided.
How long does it take for SYNDOPA PLUS to start working?
SYNDOPA PLUS starts showing its effects after 24 hours. Although, it can have an effect after one day, it may take up to 7 days to show its complete effects, and so take this medicine at the same time each day as instructed by your doctor. Avoid eating a heavy meal rich in protein to enhance the antiparkinsonian effects.
Can I stop taking SYNDOPA PLUS when the symptoms subside?
No. Do not stop taking SYNDOPA PLUS unless your doctor tells you, because sudden withdrawal of SYNDOPA PLUS can cause excessive muscle tightness, fever, and mental changes in patients. Therefore, continue to take SYNDOPA PLUS as informed by your physician.
Can SYNDOPA PLUS be make you feel sleepy?
Yes. SYNDOPA PLUS can make you feel drowsy suddenly or can cause sudden sleep attacks (like narcolepsy) while doing your daily activities. You may not be experiencing any drowsiness or notice any warning signs before falling asleep suddenly. Avoid driving or operating any tools or heavy machines while taking SYNDOPA PLUS. If you experience any unusual episodes of sudden sleepiness or excessive sleepiness during the daytime, contact your doctor.
Can SYNDOPA PLUS cause dark urine?
Yes. SYNDOPA PLUS may alter the color of your urine and make it look darker. This is usually harmless. However, if you experience any blood in urine or other unusual symptoms consult your doctor immediately.
Can I take a higher dose of SYNDOPA PLUS without consulting a doctor?
No. Consuming SYNDOPA PLUS can make you feel addictive and tolerant for the existing dose. One must not consume a higher dose of [GBNKEYWORD without consulting their doctor.
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