04.21.2023 - By Jon Haws, RN CCRN Alumnus
Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds" Generic Name Carbidopa/levodopa Trade Name Sinemet Indication Parkinson’s disease Action Levodopa is converted to dopamine and works as a neurotransmitter, carbidopa prevents the destruction of levodopa allowing it to cross the blood brain barrier Therapeutic Class Antiparkinson agent Pharmacologic Class Dopamine Agonist Nursing Considerations • May cause orthostatic hypotension • May cause dark urine • Weeks to months to take effect • Do not use with MAOIs • Do not use with glaucoma, melanoma • Assess for parkinsonian symptoms • Instruct patient to take as directed