---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 1995 00:42:37 -0800
From: Tony Schoonenberg <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: sinemet fizz
** THE SINEMET FIZZ... **
by Anthony Schoonenberg CRTT, CPFT, RCP
COORDINATOR
MOVEMENT DISORDERS TEAM
LOMA LINDA MEDICAL CENTER
LOMA LINDA, CA 92354
PHONE 909-824-0800
E-MAIL [log in to unmask]
DISCLAIMER: The following is provided as a public service. It is not
meant as medical advice! Please consult with your physician with any
questions regarding this.
INTRODUCTION: In advanced Parkinson's Disease (PD) a majority of
patients develop fluctuation response to L-DOPA. The most troublesome
are the "ON-OFF" effects. Most debilitating is the "OFF" effect. The
The following is a discussion of the possible use of a rescue solution
to switch on.
Recently liquid solutions of L-DOPA have been used with success as an
alternate to continuous duodenal administration of L-DOPA. However,
this can be cumbersome and demanding since the solution is usually
taken at least every hour. As an alternative, the "Sinemet Fizz"
solution is taken as an additive to a normal regime. It's most
effective in stopping an "OFF" or a wearing off.
The "Sinemet Fizz" solution is comprised of the following:
CarbidopaL-DOPA (Sinemet), with the maximum solubility of L-DOPA being
[D approximately 2mg/ml.
[D
[D Ginger Ale.
[D
[D Formula: To a 10 ounce botttle of Ginger Ale add one 25/250 Carbidopa/
[D L-DOPA tablet. After the fizzing settles down you will have a solution
[D of approximately 1 mg. per ml. Since most people swollow between 20
[D and 30 ml. per swollow, every swollow is considered approximately to be
[D 25 mg. of L-DOPA.
[D
[D The "Sinemet Fizz" is:
[D
[D 1. Easy to use. There is nothing ot measure (Just drop one pill in a
[D bottle!)
[D
[D 2. Easy to tritrate dosages (1 swollow = 25 mg. in most persons).
[D
[D 3. Easy to explain to patients.
[D
[D 4. Readily available.
[D
[D 5. Cost effective and non-obtrusive... looks just like Ginger Ale.
[D
[D 6. Fast Acting.
].
