Parkinson's disease and motor fluctuations: long-acting carbidopa/levodopa (CR-4-Sinemet).
Long-acting levodopa/carbidopa combination (CR-4-Sinemet) was compared with traditional levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) open label in 20 patients with Parkinson's disease and "wearing-off" phenomena. After 4 to 6 weeks of therapy with CR-4-Sinemet, the number of daily doses of medication dropped significantly compared with traditional Sinemet, disability improved, and "on" time increased. In nine patients receiving CR-4-Sinemet for 3 months, the number of daily doses and the on time without chorea remained significantly improved. CR-4-Sinemet peaked in plasma after 2 hours, and moderately high levels remained at 4 hours after the dose. Side effects were similar between traditional Sinemet and CR-4 Sinemet.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004338:Drug Combinations; C009265:carbidopa, levodopa drug combination; D007980:Levodopa; D002230:Carbidopa