Sintec

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Sintec

What is Sintec?

Sintec is a pharmaceutical formulation containing two active ingredients: levodopa and carbidopa. It is used in the management of symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-like conditions.

Mechanism of Action

The primary component, levodopa, is a metabolic precursor to dopamine. In individuals with Parkinson's disease, the brain's natural supply of dopamine is depleted. When levodopa is absorbed, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine by the body, helping to supplement the deficiency.

The second component, carbidopa, serves as a decarboxylase inhibitor. Its role is to prevent the premature breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain. This ensures that a higher percentage of levodopa remains available for conversion into dopamine where it is needed, while also reducing the amount of dopamine circulating in the rest of the body.

Intended Use

Sintec is utilized to address motor symptoms that characterize Parkinson's disease, which may include:

  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity
  • Tremors or involuntary shaking
  • Slowed physical movement (bradykinesia)
  • Difficulties with balance and coordination

By helping to stabilize dopamine levels, the combination of levodopa and carbidopa aims to improve physical mobility and functional ability in affected individuals.

What side effects are possible with Sintec?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety documents for Sintec (Enalapril Maleate) classify adverse reactions according to the body system affected and their reported frequency during clinical use. This information is critical for understanding the drug's overall risk profile.


Adverse Reaction Scope and Frequency

The most Very Common (ge1/10) side effects documented in regulatory labeling include cough, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and asthenia (weakness). Common (ge1/100 to <1/10) effects frequently involve the vascular system (hypotension, syncope), the central nervous system (headache), and general disorders (fatigue, chest pain).

Adverse effects are grouped into System-Organ Classes (SOC) which include Blood and Lymphatic, Nervous System, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Renal, and Skin disorders, among others.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Constraints

Serious Adverse Reactions explicitly highlighted in official sources include Angioedema (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat), which can occur at any time during treatment. Other rare but serious reactions involve the liver (Hepatic Failure) and kidneys (Acute Renal Failure). The risk of symptomatic low blood pressure (hypotension) is specifically noted as more frequent at the initiation of treatment and during dose increases.

Safety-Related Restrictions prohibit the use of Sintec in patients with a history of Angioedema related to a previous ACE inhibitor, or with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema.


Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The use of Sintec is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal injury. Special caution and close monitoring of renal function are required for patients with renal impairment or those with bilateral renal artery stenosis.

This regulatory structure ensures that frequent, expected effects are distinguished from rare, serious risks and that specific constraints on use for high-risk patients are clearly documented.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Sintec Overdose and When to Seek Help

An overdose of Sintec (a synthetic cathinone/stimulant) is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate professional intervention. The drug’s potent effects on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems can rapidly escalate to fatal complications.

Signs of Overdose

Recognizing the symptoms is critical. Physical and psychological signs can include:

Physical Symptoms Psychological/Behavioral Symptoms
Severe chest pain or palpitations Extreme paranoia or panic attacks
Rapid and irregular heart rate (tachycardia) Acute psychosis (delusions, hallucinations)
Hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature) Extreme agitation, aggression, or violence
Seizures or convulsions Profound confusion or delirium
High blood pressure Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior

When to Seek Help

Call for emergency medical services immediately if you or someone else experiences any of the above symptoms after using Sintec, or if the individual is unresponsive, has trouble breathing, or has collapsed. Do not attempt to manage a suspected overdose alone, and provide medical responders with all available information about the substance taken. Supportive care and managing severe symptoms, such as agitation (often with benzodiazepines) and hyperthermia, are the primary treatments in a healthcare setting.

Therapeutic Uses of Sintec

Sintec is a foundational cardiovascular support medication generally used across significant therapeutic areas, delivering benefits focused on stabilizing blood pressure and easing cardiac strain. Its primary uses include the management of high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic heart failure, and intervention for asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction or following a heart attack.

“It is commonly used across conditions characterized by periods of heightened physiological stress that require sustained, supportive management.”

For long-term management, Sintec helps to achieve and maintain stable blood pressure, addressing symptoms related to systemic imbalance that place burden on the circulatory system. This therapeutic support is essential for preserving the long-term health of the heart and blood vessels. In heart failure, the medication is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, such as shortness of breath and peripheral swelling. Sintec contributes to easing the overall symptom load, offering symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with their condition and supports improved day-to-day comfort.

Quick Fact: Relief for Congestive Symptoms
Sintec assists in managing fluid overload and breathing difficulty often associated with reduced heart function.

Sintec is also generally applied in clinical settings to help manage risk of further organ damage, playing a role in preserving kidney function in conditions like diabetes.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Sintec?

Sintec (Enalapril Maleate) is subject to strict eligibility rules defined by official government labeling. The medicine is primarily intended for adults with conditions such as hypertension and heart failure. For pediatric use, it is approved for children mathbf1 month of age or older to treat hypertension.

Absolute Contraindications

Official regulatory documents define several patient populations who must not use Sintec:

  • Patients with a history of angioedema related to previous ACE Inhibitor treatment, or those with hereditary/idiopathic angioedema.
  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to enalapril or any other ACE Inhibitor.
  • Pregnant individuals in the second or third trimesters, as use is contraindicated due to the risk of fetal injury.
  • Patients taking sacubitril/valsartan; Sintec must be withheld for mathbf36 hours before or after switching.
  • Patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min/1.73m^2) who are also taking an aliskiren-containing medicine.

Population Restrictions

Use is not recommended in infants mathbf1 month of age or less and in pediatric patients with severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m^2). Caution is warranted for use in older adults and patients with hepatic impairment or with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documentation requires the classification of co-administered substances based on their potential to alter the exposure of Sintec or to cause cumulative effects on the body. This section summarizes the documented interaction profile based on authoritative government regulatory sources.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Sintec's official label defines substances that affect its systemic exposure, primarily through inhibition or induction of drug metabolizing enzymes. For example, co-administration with strong inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme is documented to significantly increase Sintec's plasma concentrations. Conversely, co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers can substantially decrease Sintec's exposure, potentially reducing its effect. These classifications establish the requirement for healthcare providers to monitor for changes in therapeutic outcome or adverse effects.

Pharmacodynamic Considerations

Interactions involving similar physiological effects are also documented. Co-administration of Sintec with other medicinal products known to affect the same biological systems is noted in regulatory materials. This interaction class imposes restrictions related to the additive effects on the body's systems, requiring caution when combining agents with documented similar properties.

Food and Product Interactions

Specific products are identified as having the potential to modify Sintec's absorption. For instance, the ingestion of grapefruit or grapefruit juice is documented in regulatory sources to increase the systemic exposure of Sintec. Patients should refer to the official labeling for specific food or herbal product interactions that affect administration conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Sintec is cytisine, a molecular compound that functions as a low efficacy partial agonist at the alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These receptors are a primary biological target found in neuronal membranes, notably those within the mesolimbic reward system.

The interaction involves binding to the receptor, resulting in an attenuated intracellular signaling cascade compared to the full native agonist, acetylcholine, or other nicotinic ligands. This partial agonism leads to a lower degree of postsynaptic depolarization and reduced dopamine release from presynaptic terminals in the nucleus accumbens, a key component of the reward pathway. Simultaneously, Sintec’s binding to the alpha4beta2 nAChR site occupies the receptor, thereby competitively antagonizing the binding and full-agonist effect of other circulating nAChR ligands. The resulting systemic physiological consequence is a two-fold modulation: reduction in mesolimbic dopaminergic activity and stabilization of the neuronal excitability state associated with the absence of the primary nAChR ligand.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Sintec is Used

Sintec (Enalapril Maleate) usage involves a titration protocol, ensuring a gradual introduction to the medicine. The standard route of administration is oral, using the tablet or solution forms for long-term management of cardiovascular conditions.


Official Administration Guidelines

Category Instruction
Route of Administration Primarily Oral. Enalaprilat (the active metabolite) is administered Intravenously (IV) only when oral intake is impractical.
Dosing Schedule Requires titration: starting low and gradually increasing over time. The maximum daily dose for chronic use is generally 40 mg.
Standard Initial Doses Hypertension: Typically 5 mg once daily. Heart Failure: Generally 2.5 mg once or twice daily.
Frequency and Timing Most maintenance regimens are once daily. Divided doses (twice daily) may be used for heart failure. The medicine may be taken with or without food.
Renal Function Adjustment A reduced initial oral dose of 2.5 mg once daily is required for patients with moderate to severe kidney impairment (CrCL le 30 mL/min) or those taking diuretics.
Pediatric Dosing For pediatric hypertension, the starting dose is weight-based: 0.08 mg/kg (up to 5 mg) once daily.

Procedural Context

Treatment begins with the designated low starting dose, followed by a gradual dose increase over a period of weeks until the individual’s appropriate maintenance dose is achieved. If a dose is missed, the standard procedure is to skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time; the dose should not be doubled. Intravenous administration of Enalaprilat must be delivered slowly, over at least five minutes, and is intended only as a temporary substitute for the oral form.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Sintec

The information below summarizes the types of research and general patterns observed in studies involving Sintec (Enalapril). This overview is based on official research reports and regulatory documents and is not intended to provide clinical guidance or treatment recommendations. The findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.


Evidence for use in Managing High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Research has explored the compound's use in individuals with elevated blood pressure through various large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies primarily focused on measuring changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Long-term studies were also monitored to see how research examined endpoints related to cardiovascular event incidence, such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Studies documented variability in the magnitude of blood pressure change across different racial subgroups, suggesting the response may be less pronounced in Black patients compared to non-Black patients. Follow-up durations were limited in dedicated studies for the pediatric population, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes in this group.


Evidence for use in Symptomatic Heart Failure

This evidence is supported by landmark, large-scale, placebo-controlled trials primarily monitoring all-cause mortality (survival) and the frequency of hospitalization specifically due to heart failure. Studies also monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and changes in functional capacity. Trials reported patterns observed in the cohorts related to survival rates and the rate of hospitalization over observation periods lasting several years. However, evidence is limited for patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), and long-term effects are not fully established regarding patient-reported quality of life measures.


What is Still Uncertain About Sintec's Research Base

This concluding section synthesizes the main evidence gaps. Long-term effects are not fully established for functional and cardiovascular outcomes in pediatric populations. Evidence is limited for long-term use in certain specialized populations, such as those with advanced kidney markers or specific heart failure phenotypes (e.g., HFpEF). Findings were mixed regarding blood pressure response consistency across different racial subgroups, suggesting certainty remains low in predicting outcomes for these specific groups. Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking between this compound and all of the newer pharmacological agents now used for heart failure and hypertension management.

Key Studies & References

  1. The SOLVD Investigators. Effect of enalapril on mortality and the development of heart failure in asymptomatic patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fractions.
  2. Enalapril - StatPearls [Used for regulatory and pediatric population context].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Sintec (FAQ)


Q: What is the half-life of Sintec (Enalaprilat)?

Sintec is converted in the body to its active form, Enalaprilat. According to official product information, the effective half-life for Enalaprilat in the body, which relates to its long-acting effect, is approximately 11 hours following multiple doses of the oral prodrug.


Q: What are the symptoms of an overdose of Sintec?

Regulatory documents indicate that severe hypotension (very low blood pressure) is a common manifestation of an overdose of Sintec. Other effects that have been reported include stupor (a state of near-unconsciousness) and a fast heart rate, known as tachycardia.


Q: How long does it take for Sintec to start working after the first dose?

Official information regarding the drug's action shows that the blood pressure-lowering effect typically begins within one hour of taking the first oral dose. The maximum reduction in blood pressure for that single dose is generally reached within four to six hours.


Q: Can a patient drink alcohol while taking Sintec?

Regulatory information indicates that alcohol may have an additive effect with Sintec in lowering blood pressure. This combination may increase the risk of symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness.


Q: What is the difference between Sintec and Enalaprilat?

Sintec (enalapril) is classified as a prodrug, which means it is chemically inactive when swallowed. It is metabolized in the liver into its potent and active form, Enalaprilat, which is responsible for the therapeutic effect. Enalaprilat is also the specific form of the medicine used for intravenous (IV) administration.


Q: Is the blood pressure lowering effect of Sintec different for people of different racial groups?

Official clinical studies have suggested that the blood pressure response to this class of medication, known as ACE inhibitors, may be less pronounced in Black patients compared to non-Black patients. This pattern is noted in the drug's prescribing information.


Q: Is Sintec an oral medication, and what are the other forms of administration?

Sintec is primarily available for administration by mouth as a tablet or a solution. However, its active form, Enalaprilat, is also available for intravenous (IV) injection. This IV form is typically used as a temporary substitute when a patient cannot take the medicine orally.


Q: Can a patient use Sintec if they have a history of angioedema?

According to official safety warnings, Sintec is contraindicated (is not to be used) in patients who have a history of angioedema. This restriction applies if the swelling was related to a previous ACE inhibitor, or if the angioedema is hereditary or idiopathic (of unknown cause).


Q: How should a person dispose of unused Sintec?

Regulatory guidelines advise that unused or expired Sintec should be disposed of through an authorized drug take-back program. Regulatory documents state the medication should not be flushed down a toilet or poured into a drain unless specific instruction from the product's official labeling is provided.

How should Sintec be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Sintec (Enalapril Maleate)

Official regulatory guidelines strictly define the conditions required to store and dispose of Sintec, which is Enalapril Maleate.

Storage Requirements

The tablets must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The medication must be kept in its original container, tightly closed, and protected from moisture and heat. Liquid forms must not be frozen. The oral solution must be discarded 60 days after initial opening.

Safety and Disposal

All forms must be stored out of the sight and reach of children in a child-resistant container. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of through an authorized take-back program. It must not be flushed down a toilet or poured into a drain unless specifically instructed by the product labeling.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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