Last reviewed · How we verify
Levodopa and carbidopa
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain to replace deficient neurotransmitter levels, while carbidopa inhibits premature conversion of levodopa in the periphery, allowing more to reach the brain.
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain to replace deficient neurotransmitter levels, while carbidopa inhibits premature conversion of levodopa in the periphery, allowing more to reach the brain. Used for Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication.
At a glance
| Generic name | Levodopa and carbidopa |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Levodopa and carbidopa or saline |
| Sponsor | NeuroDerm Ltd. |
| Drug class | Dopamine precursor with peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor |
| Target | Dopamine pathway; aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (inhibited by carbidopa) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, addressing the dopamine deficiency characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside the central nervous system, reducing peripheral side effects and increasing the amount of levodopa available for brain uptake. This combination allows lower doses of levodopa to be effective while minimizing systemic adverse effects.
Approved indications
- Parkinson's disease
- Parkinsonism secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dyskinesia
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Constipation
Key clinical trials
- Dopamine Modulation of Motivation and Motor Function in Major Depression & Inflammation (NA)
- 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)
- Levodopa for Diabetic Retinopathy (PHASE2)
- A Study to Assess Effect of Dosing Intervals on Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetics of WD-1603 Taken Before Meals in Healthy Participants (PHASE1)
- 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)
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:
- Levodopa and carbidopa CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Levodopa and carbidopa updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- NeuroDerm Ltd. portfolio CI