Carbidopa/levodopa

Generic Name

carbidopa/levodopa

Trade Name

Sinemet

Indication

Parkinson's disease

Action

levodopa is converted to dopamine and works as a neurotransmitter and carbidopa prevents the destruction of levodopa

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

don't use with glaucoma, melanoma

assess for parkinsonian symptoms

instruct patient to take as directed