[Treatment of Parkinson's disease with the combination drug L-carbidopa/L-dopa. Report on a 2 years study]

Abstract

Forty patients have been treated with Sinemet (L-carbidopa/L-dopa) for a period of up to two years. The results are in agreement with those in the literature. In two-thirds of cases a good to very good improvement was obtained. The principal side effects were dyskinesia, hypotonia, and gastrointestinal and psychotic symptoms, though they seldom necessitated treatment interruption. L-carbidopa/L-dopa affords a real alternative therapy in the modern treatment of Parkinson's disease with L-dopa and a decarboxylase inhibitor. Generally the dosage range was up to a maximum of one tablet three times daily. Sinemet tablets are simple and convenient to handle for both doctor and patient. Dosage titration to therapeutic efficacy can be achieved in one week to ten days without complications, though we recommended a slower titration based on individual patient reaction and requirements.