Treatment of chronic Parkinson's disease with controlled-release carbidopa/levodopa.
Controlled-release carbidopa/levodopa 50/200 (SINEMET CR) and standard carbidopa/levodopa (SINEMET 25/100) were compared in a double-blind, six-month, crossover study involving 21 patients with chronic Parkinson's disease and motor response fluctuations. Daily dosage frequency was significantly reduced with SINEMET CR compared with SINEMET 25/100, while the daily amount of levodopa required with SINEMET CR was significantly greater. No significant differences in disability ratings, motor response fluctuations, or safety were detected during double-blind conditions. In the open-label, dose-finding phase of the study, SINEMET CR was superior to standard SINEMET 25/100 in patient ratings of percent "on" time (good motor function), clinical assessments of motor function, and activities of daily living. This finding resulted from a depreciation of the value of the "old drug" rather than an overestimation of the value of the experimental drug. This double-blind study also suggested that elderly male patients with Parkinson's disease derived the greatest benefit from SINEMET CR.
Hutton
J T
JT
Department of Medical, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock 79430.
Morris
J L
JL
Román
G C
GC
Imke
S C
SC
Elias
J W
JW
D000368:Aged; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004338:Drug Combinations; C009265:carbidopa, levodopa drug combination; D007980:Levodopa; D002230:Carbidopa