Syncapone 150 Mg

Name

• Brand Name: SYNCAPONE 150 MG
• Common Name: Levodopa, Carbidopa, and Entacapone combination tablet.

Composition SYNCAPONE 150 MG contains a combination of three active ingredients:

• Levodopa: 150 mg
• Carbidopa: 37.5 mg
• Entacapone: 200 mg

Uses SYNCAPONE 150 MG is a prescription medication primarily used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These symptoms can include muscle stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, poor muscle control, and slowness of movement. It may also be used to replace therapy with other carbidopa and levodopa combinations if the patient experiences "wearing-off" symptoms. The medication works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which helps coordinate body movements.

Dosage and Administration The optimal daily dose is determined by careful titration of levodopa for each patient. It is generally advised to take one tablet per dose administration, orally, either with or without food. However, it is often recommended to avoid high-protein meals and dairy products as they can impair levodopa absorption. It's crucial to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body and not to stop it abruptly without consulting a doctor. The maximum recommended daily dose of entacapone is 2,000 mg (typically 8 tablets/day).

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, uncontrolled body movements (dyskinesia), dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, stomach pain, muscle pain, itching, discolored urine, saliva, or sweat.
• Serious Side Effects: Fainting, severe muscle pain, confusion, high fever, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, severe diarrhea, signs of muscle breakdown (dark urine), chest pain, irregular heart rate, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Precautions SYNCAPONE 150 MG should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, hypotension, a history of depression, psychotic disorders, or peptic ulcers. It is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or a known allergy to its ingredients. This medicine can cause drowsiness or sudden sleep attacks, so activities requiring mental alertness like driving or operating machinery should be avoided. Alcohol consumption is not recommended. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals under 18 years of age, should consult a doctor before use as safety and effectiveness are not established.

Storage Store SYNCAPONE 150 MG tablets at a controlled room temperature, typically below 30°C, in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keep the medication in its original, tight, light-resistant container and out of reach of children. Always check the expiry date.

Here are frequently asked questions about SYNCAPONE 150 MG by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD.:

What is SYNCAPONE 150 MG used for?

SYNCAPONE 150 MG is a fixed-dose combination medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. It helps manage motor symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, spasms, poor muscle control, and slowness of movement, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals with the condition.

How does SYNCAPONE 150 MG work?

SYNCAPONE 150 MG contains three active ingredients: Levodopa, Carbidopa, and Entacapone. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain to replace the deficit seen in Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of Levodopa in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain, allowing more to enter. Entacapone further enhances and prolongs the effect of Levodopa by inhibiting its breakdown, leading to more sustained levels in the blood and brain.

What is the usual dosage for SYNCAPONE 150 MG?

The dosage and frequency of SYNCAPONE 150 MG are determined by your doctor based on your specific condition and response to treatment. It should be taken orally as directed by your doctor. Patients are typically instructed to take only one tablet per dose administration, with a maximum recommended daily dose for the entacapone component being 2,000 mg (which translates to a maximum of 8 tablets per day for this strength combination).

What are the possible side effects of SYNCAPONE 150 MG?

Common side effects can include uncontrolled body movements (dyskinesias), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, sleep disturbances (including insomnia and abnormal dreams), orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure upon standing), dry mouth, headache, and muscle pain. Some patients may also experience urine discoloration (reddish-brown or black), which is generally not harmful. More serious but less common side effects can include depression with possible suicidal thoughts, severe muscle pain, confusion, and high fever.

Is SYNCAPONE 150 MG safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

SYNCAPONE 150 MG is generally not recommended during pregnancy and should be used with caution. You should consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is also generally considered unsafe during breastfeeding, and you should discuss this with your doctor, as they may advise discontinuing breastfeeding or the medication.

Can SYNCAPONE 150 MG be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements, as SYNCAPONE 150 MG can have several potential drug interactions. Specific interactions include those with non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), hypotensive drugs, dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, phenytoin, papaverine, and iron salts, which can affect the medication's efficacy or increase the risk of side effects.

What precautions should be taken while taking SYNCAPONE 150 MG?

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. It is recommended to take SYNCAPONE 150 MG with a low-protein meal for optimal absorption of Levodopa; avoid consuming high-protein foods as they can reduce its effectiveness. Use with caution if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, peptic ulcers, glaucoma, a history of melanoma, or liver or kidney disease. This medication may cause dizziness or sleepiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not stop taking SYNCAPONE 150 MG suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can worsen symptoms.

What happens if a dose of SYNCAPONE 150 MG is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

How should SYNCAPONE 150 MG be stored?

Store SYNCAPONE 150 MG at room temperature, typically between 20-25°C. Protect it from moisture and light, and keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets.