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carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet)
Carbidopa inhibits peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain where it is converted to dopamine to replace depleted neurotransmitter in Parkinson's disease.
Carbidopa inhibits peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain where it is converted to dopamine to replace depleted neurotransmitter in Parkinson's disease. Used for Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication.
At a glance
| Generic name | carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Baylor College of Medicine |
| Drug class | Dopamine replacement therapy |
| Target | Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC); dopamine pathway |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier, but is rapidly metabolized peripherally by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). Carbidopa is a peripheral AADC inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby reducing peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine and increasing the fraction available for central nervous system delivery. This combination allows lower levodopa doses and reduces peripheral dopamine-related side effects.
Approved indications
- Parkinson's disease
- Parkinsonism secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication
Common side effects
- Dyskinesia
- Motor fluctuations
- Nausea
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- On-off phenomena
Key clinical trials
- Clinical Study to Evaluate the Possible Efficacy of Metformin in Patients With Parkinson's Disease (PHASE2)
- Montelukast in Parkinson Disease (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Intestinal Levodopa + Entacapone Therapy (Lecigon®) to Counteract Dopaminergic Desensitization and Neuropsychiatric Complications in Parkinson's Disease (PHASE3)
- Dopaminergic Dysfunction in Late-Life Depression (PHASE2)
- Feasibility Study Assessing the Effect of Carbidopa/Levodopa Ratio on Orthostatic Hypotension in Multiple System Atrophy - Parkinsonian Type and Parkinson Disease. (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Dopaminergic Therapy for Anhedonia - 2 (PHASE4)
- Long-Term Observational Study on Effectiveness and Safety of Lecigon in Patients With Advanced Parkinson's Disease
- Fexofenadine as Adjuvant Therapy in Parkinson Disease (PHASE2, PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Baylor College of Medicine portfolio CI