SYNDOPA PLUS Tablet 15's

Introduction About SYNDOPA PLUS TABLET

What is Syndopa Plus Tablet?

Syndopa Plus Tablet is a medication used primarily for the management of Parkinson's disease. It contains a combination of two active ingredients, levodopa and carbidopa which help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by replenishing dopamine in the brain.

Syndopa Plus tablet is preferably taken with meals to avoid nausea and stomach discomfort. It is usually prescribed as one tab 3-4 times/day. However, your doctor will adjust the dose according to your age, and health condition.

Before taking Syndopa Plus Tablet, inform your doctor if you have any history of heart disease, kidney problems, or liver disease. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it may increase the risk of side effects. Syndopa Plus is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.

The most common side effects of Syndopa Plus Tablet are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.

Key Composition

Syndopa Plus Tablet contains a combination of two anti-parkinsonian agents such as

• Levodopa 100mg + Carbidopa 50mg

Levodopa: A precursor to dopamine, which helps in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms.

Carbidopa: Prevents levodopa from breaking down before it reaches the brain, ensuring more effective therapy

Uses Of SYNDOPA PLUS TABLET

• Symptoms of Parkinson's disease
• Improves motor functions and movement in Parkinson's patients
• Reduces stiffness, tremors, and difficulty in movement

Benefits of Syndopa Plus Tablet for Parkinson's patients:

• Improves Motor Symptoms: Syndopa Plus Tablet contains levodopa and carbidopa, which work together to improve movement by replenishing dopamine levels in the brain, alleviating symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement.
• Reduces "Off" Periods: It helps minimize periods when Parkinson's symptoms worsen (off periods) and improves overall quality of life. 
• Prevents Levodopa Breakdown: Carbidopa in the tablet prevents the premature breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, ensuring more of the drug reaches the brain for effective symptom control.
• Improves Quality of Life: By addressing motor symptoms, it enables patients to perform daily activities more independently and enhances overall mobility

How SYNDOPA PLUS TABLET Works

When you have Parkinson’s disease, your brain doesn’t make enough dopamine, a chemical that helps control your movements. This lack of dopamine leads to symptoms like shaking, stiffness, and difficulty moving.

Syndopa Plus Tablet contains two medicines, Levodopa and Carbidopa, that work together to help you move better:

1. Levodopa: This gets converted into dopamine in your brain, replacing the dopamine your body is missing. This helps reduce symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness, so your body moves more smoothly.
2. Carbidopa: This helps levodopa reach your brain without being broken down too early in your body. It also reduces side effects like nausea, making the treatment easier to tolerate.

Together, these medicines help restore your brain's dopamine levels, improving your ability to move and making daily activities like walking, eating, or writing easier and more manageable.

How Does Syndopa Plus Improve motor skills in Parkinson’s?

• By replenishing dopamine levels in the brain, Syndopa Plus helps improve coordination, reduce tremors, and relieve muscle stiffness.
• This results in smoother, more controlled movements, allowing patients to perform daily activities like walking, writing, or eating with greater ease.

Regular use of Syndopa Plus, as prescribed by a doctor, is a cornerstone in managing motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

How to use SYNDOPA PLUS TABLET

Syndopa Plus is a prescription medication which needs to be taken under medical supervision. Care-takers must strictly follow the instructions provided by the doctor to ensure good results.

How To Take Syndopa Plus Tablet?

• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water, preferably with food to minimize nausea.
• Take it at the same time every day as prescribed by your doctor.
• Try to take the last dose of the day several hours before bedtime to avoid sleep disturbances or vivid dreams

Dosage and Administration of Syndopa Plus Tablet:

• Your doctor will determine the exact dose based on your condition and response to treatment.
• Usually, the prescribed dosage is one tablet 3-4 times a day.
• Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it may cause stiff muscles, high temperature (fever) and mental changes.

Can I adjust my dose of Syndopa Plus?

• No, do not adjust your dose on your own. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for any changes to avoid side effects or reduced effectiveness.
• If your symptoms worsen, consult your doctor for a possible dose adjustment.

What happens if I miss a dose of Syndopa Plus?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never double the dose to catch up.

Syndopa Plus: Overdosage Instructions:

• If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or nearest emergency center immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, irregular heartbeat, or severe nausea, and medical attention is crucial.

Side Effects Of SYNDOPA PLUS TABLET

Like all medicines, Syndopa Plus Tablet may cause certain side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Some Common Side Effects of Syndopa Plus include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache, Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps

When To Seek Medical Attention?

Stop taking Syndopa Plus and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling
  of your face, lips, tongue or throat, which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• chest pain, uneven heartbeat or palpitations
• signs of bleeding in the stomach which may be shown as blood in faeces or darkened faeces
• signs of low blood counts (such as pale skin, fever, tiredness, sore throat or mild bruising and prolonged bleeding after injury)
• fits (convulsions)

Syndopa Plus: Long-Term Safety:

1. Effective Symptom Management: Syndopa Plus is considered safe for long-term use when taken as prescribed, helping manage Parkinson’s symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement effectively over time.
2. Risk of Side Effects: Long-term use may lead to side effects like involuntary movements (dyskinesia) or fluctuations in symptom control (on-off phenomena). Regular monitoring by your doctor can help manage these issues.
3. Periodic Dose Adjustments: Over time, your body may require dose adjustments to maintain effectiveness and minimize side effects. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential.

Always discuss any concerns about long-term use with your doctor to ensure the therapy remains safe and effective for your condition.

How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

• Avoid sudden position changes: When you need to stand, try to pause for a moment before fully rising.
• Drink water regularly: Dehydration can worsen dizziness and make orthostatic hypotension more likely. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Nausea And Vomiting

• Taking Syndopa Plus with food or a light snack can reduce stomach irritation and reduce nausea. However
• Avoid taking the medication with high-protein meals (e.g., meat, cheese) because protein may interfere with the absorption of Levodopa.
• Avoid fatty or greasy foods: They can exacerbate nausea and upset stomach.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

There is no adequate clinical trial information regarding the use of Levodopa+carbidopa in pregnant women. Available animal studies indicate that levodopa can pass through the placenta and reach the growing offspring. A risk to the growing baby cannot be excluded. Therefore, Syndopa Plus will be prescribed in pregnant women only if the benefits overweigh the risk to the growing fetus.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

Clinical studies have shown that levodopa can pass through breast milk. Therefore, Syndopa Plus should be used in breastfeeding only if it is considered extremely necessary.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines, as Syndopa plus tablet may cause sudden sleep attacks or can make you feel sleepy.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Syndopa plus, as it could make you feel dizzier or drowsier.  

Kidney

Use with Caution

Syndopa Plus Tablet should be taken with caution in patients who have or had any kidney impairment. Proper dosage adjustments and careful monitoring are needed in such patients. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing kidney diseases before taking Syndopa plus as a precaution.

Liver

Use with Caution

Syndopa Plus Tablet should be taken with caution among patients who have or had any liver impairment. Periodic liver check-ups and dosage adjustments are needed in such patients. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking syndopa plus if you have any pre-existing liver diseases.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take Syndopa plus if you are allergic to Levodopa or Carbidopa or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

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.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

Syndopa Plus is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) due to lack of safety data. However, consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Monitoring required

Syndopa Plus is considered safe for use in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). However, proper dose adjustment and careful monitoring is required.

Safety Advice

Expert Tips To Follow While Taking Syndopa Plus Tablet:

• To minimize nausea, take Syndopa Plus Tablet with a small meal or snack, but avoid high-protein foods (like meat or cheese) during the dose, as they can interfere with the absorption of levodopa.
• Take the medicine at the same time every day to maintain steady dopamine levels and maximize symptom control.
• If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, get up slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid falls.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and manage side effects like dry mouth.
• Watch for signs like involuntary movements (dyskinesia) or mood changes, and report them to your doctor for dose adjustments.
• If taking iron, space it out by at least 2 hours before or after Syndopa Plus to prevent interference with the medicine’s absorption.
• Schedule periodic visits with your doctor to monitor your condition and adjust doses as needed for optimal symptom control and minimal side effects.
• Stopping Syndopa Plus suddenly can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s advice when adjusting or stopping the medication.

Related Health Articles:

Parkinson’s Diet: A Detailed Guide On Foods To Add And Avoid For This Neurological Disorder

Dr Kapil Singhal, DM Neurology, MD General Medicine tells us about Parkinson’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment.

Drug - Drug interaction

1. Antihypertensives (Blood Pressure Medications)
   • Interaction: Can cause excessive lowering of blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting.
   • Management: Monitor blood pressure regularly and inform your doctor about any dizziness. Dose adjustments may be needed.
2. Antipsychotics (e.g., Haloperidol, Risperidone)
   • Interaction: These medications can reduce the effectiveness of Syndopa Plus by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
   • Management: Inform your doctor if you're on antipsychotics; alternative medications may be prescribed.
3. Iron Supplements or Multivitamins Containing Iron
   • Interaction: Iron can reduce the absorption of levodopa, lowering its effectiveness.
   • Management: Take iron supplements at least 2 hours before or after Syndopa Plus.
4. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
   • Interaction: Combining Syndopa Plus with non-selective MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine) can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure.
   • Management: Avoid using non-selective MAOIs with Syndopa Plus. If necessary, consult your doctor for safer alternatives.
5. Other Parkinson’s Medications (e.g., Entacapone, Pramipexole)
   • Interaction: May increase the risk of side effects like dyskinesia or hallucinations.
   • Management: Your doctor may adjust the doses of Syndopa Plus or the other medications to balance the treatment.
6. Antacids
   • Interaction: Some antacids may interfere with the absorption of levodopa.
   • Management: Avoid taking antacids immediately before or after Syndopa Plus to ensure proper absorption.

Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you're taking before starting Syndopa Plus to avoid harmful interactions.

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 this medicine, as it may interfere with its absorption.

Synopsis

More Information

Dietary Recommendations for Parkinson’s Disease

1. Balanced Diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to maintain overall health and energy.
2. Timing of Protein Intake: Avoid high-protein foods (like meat, eggs, or cheese) around the time you take levodopa-based medicines (like Syndopa Plus), as they can interfere with the drug's absorption.
3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and manage constipation, a common issue in Parkinson's patients.
4. Fiber-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods like oats, beans, and fresh fruits to combat constipation.
5. Antioxidants: Add foods rich in antioxidants (e.g., berries, nuts, spinach) to protect brain cells from damage.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Parkinson’s Disease

1. Stay Active: Engage in regular, gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or tai chi to improve mobility, balance, and flexibility.
2. Maintain a Routine: Consistent daily routines help reduce anxiety and improve symptom management.
3. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to ease stress and anxiety.
4. Home Safety: Declutter your living space, install grab bars, and use non-slip mats to prevent falls.
5. Social Engagement: Stay connected with friends, family, or support groups to combat isolation and boost emotional well-being.

Cognitive and Physical Therapies for Parkinson’s Patients

1. Physical Therapy:
   • Helps improve strength, balance, and posture.
   • Specific exercises focus on walking gait and preventing falls.
2. Occupational Therapy:
   • Teaches strategies to manage daily tasks like dressing, eating, or writing despite motor limitations.
3. Speech Therapy:
   • Assists with speech clarity and swallowing difficulties, common in advanced stages of Parkinson's.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
   • Helps manage anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges caused by Parkinson's.
5. Brain Training Exercises:
   • Activities like puzzles, memory games, or learning new skills can stimulate cognitive function and delay mental decline.

These strategies, combined with medical treatment, can significantly improve quality of life for Parkinson’s patients.

Alternative Parkinson's medications:

• Syndopa CR 125mg Tablet 10'S
• Tidomet Plus Tablet 10'S
• LCD 125 Tablet 10'S

Advantages of Syndopa Plus Over Other Parkinson's medications:

FAQs About SYNDOPA PLUS TABLET

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs acting on central nervous system. Antiparkinsonian drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. 8th Edition. 2019. Page – 452-457.
2. Carbidopa/Levodopa Orion 25 mg/100 mg tablets. EMC. UK. Patient Information Leaflet. [Revised in September 2023]. [Accessed on 18th January 2025]. Click here
3. Diet & Nutrition. Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Foundation. [Accessed on 18th January 2025]. Click here
4. What to Eat and Avoid with Parkinson’s Disease. Healthline. Reviewed 2nd January 2025. [Accessed on 18th January 2025]. Click here
5. The Role of Diet and Dietary Patterns in Parkinson’s Disease. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Oct 2022. [Accessed on 18th January 2025]. Click here
6. Lifestyle and Parkinson’s disease. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. May 2022. [Accessed on 18th January 2025]. Click here
7. Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed on 18th January 2025]. Click here
8. Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. December 2021. [Accessed on 18th January 2025]. Click here

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Last updated on 18 Jan 2025 | 06:28 PM(IST)