Syndopa 275 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

SYNDOPA 275 MG TABLET

Name

• Brand Name: SYNDOPA 275 MG TABLET
• Common/Generic Name: Carbidopa/Levodopa (also known as co-careldopa)

Composition

Each tablet of SYNDOPA 275 contains:

• Levodopa BP 250 mg
• Carbidopa BP (Anhydrous) 25 mg

Uses

SYNDOPA 275 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's-like symptoms caused by other conditions. It helps alleviate symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movements (bradykinesia), difficulty walking, impaired coordination, and poor muscle control by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.

Dosage and Administration

Dosage is individualized based on patient response and should be advised by a doctor. Typically, it can be taken with or without food, but a high-protein diet should be avoided as it can reduce drug absorption. Tablets should be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush, or break sustained-release tablets. For immediate-release, scored tablets may be crushed. Initial doses often start low and are gradually increased. Patients currently on levodopa alone must discontinue it at least 8 hours before starting SYNDOPA.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Light-headedness, dizziness, lowered blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
• Confusion, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, hallucinations
• Dyskinesia (uncontrolled/involuntary muscle movements)
• Dry mouth, headache, sweating

Serious side effects can include depression with suicidal ideation, irregular heartbeat, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals hypersensitive to its ingredients, with narrow-angle glaucoma, undiagnosed skin lesions or a history of melanoma, or those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within two weeks.
• General Warnings: Use with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, renal, hepatic, or endocrine disease, peptic ulcer, or psychosis.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause drowsiness or sudden sleep attacks; avoid activities requiring mental alertness until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Interactions: Can interact with antihypertensive drugs, MAO inhibitors (potentially leading to hypertensive crisis), phenothiazines, butyrophenones, phenytoin, papaverine, and tricyclic antidepressants. Alcohol consumption may increase side effects.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light, preferably between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are frequently asked questions about SYNDOPA 275 MG TABLET by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD., along with concise answers:

What is Syndopa 275 mg Tablet used for?

Syndopa 275 mg Tablet is primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease, including idiopathic Parkinson's disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and symptomatic parkinsonism that may result from carbon monoxide or manganese intoxication. It helps manage symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and muscle spasms, thereby improving the patient's ability to perform daily activities and enhancing their quality of life.

How does Syndopa 275 mg Tablet work?

Syndopa 275 mg Tablet contains a combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa. Parkinson's disease is associated with a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to restore normal movement control. Carbidopa prevents the premature breakdown of Levodopa in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain, allowing more Levodopa to be available for conversion to dopamine in the brain, which in turn reduces the required dosage of Levodopa and lessens side effects like nausea and vomiting.

What is the usual dosage for Syndopa 275 mg Tablet?

The dosage of Syndopa 275 mg Tablet is individualized by a doctor based on the patient's condition and response. For patients not currently receiving levodopa, a suggested starting dose is typically one tablet, 3-4 times a day. If you are already taking levodopa, it should be discontinued at least 8-12 hours before starting Syndopa 275, with the new dosage providing approximately 25% of the previous levodopa daily dosage. The dosage can be gradually increased by ½ or 1 tablet every 1-2 days, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. It is generally advised to take the medicine at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of Syndopa 275 mg Tablet?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, light-headedness, lowered blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), confusion, dyskinesia (uncontrolled or involuntary muscle movement), dry mouth, dizziness, headache, abnormal dreams, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal disturbances, and sweating. More serious but less frequent side effects can include convulsions, mental changes (such as paranoid ideation, psychotic episodes, and depression with or without suicidal tendencies), cardiac irregularities, and blepharospasm, which may indicate an overdose.

Is Syndopa 275 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Syndopa 275 mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. It is classified as a Category B pregnancy drug, and animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby. Therefore, it should only be used if the doctor determines that the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Breastfeeding: While Syndopa 275 mg Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding if prescribed by a doctor, its active ingredients are known to pass into human breast milk. The potential effect on an infant is not fully known, so a doctor will assess the benefits versus risks before recommending its use in nursing mothers.

Can Syndopa 275 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Syndopa 275 mg Tablet should not be taken with nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing them, due to the risk of a hypertensive crisis. Caution is advised when taken with antihypertensive drugs, as it can cause symptomatic postural hypotension. Additionally, certain medications such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, phenytoin, papaverine, pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and iron supplements may reduce the effectiveness of Syndopa 275.

What precautions should be taken while using Syndopa 275 mg Tablet?

Do not stop taking Syndopa 275 mg Tablet abruptly, as this can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms like muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. Exercise caution if you have severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, renal, hepatic, or endocrine disease, peptic ulcer, narrow-angle glaucoma, a history of melanoma, or psychological disorders such as depression or psychosis. This medication can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden sleep episodes, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how it affects you. Avoid consuming a high-protein diet as it can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness or lightheadedness, as the medication can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Alcohol consumption should be avoided, as it can worsen side effects such as confusion, dizziness, and fainting. Regular monitoring of hepatic, hematopoietic, cardiovascular, and renal function is recommended during prolonged therapy.

What happens if a dose of Syndopa 275 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Syndopa 275 mg Tablet, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. Missing a dose may lead to a temporary increase in Parkinson's symptoms.

How should Syndopa 275 mg Tablet be stored?

Syndopa 275 mg Tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from light, ideally between 15°C-30°C (68-77°F). Keep the bottle or pack tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children.