Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Levodopa + benserazide

Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain to replace deficient neurotransmitter in Parkinson's disease, while benserazide inhibits peripheral conversion of levodopa to prevent side effects.

Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain to replace deficient neurotransmitter levels, while benserazide inhibits peripheral conversion of levodopa, allowing more to reach the central nervous system. Used for Parkinson's disease.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), restoring dopaminergic neurotransmission in the basal ganglia. Benserazide is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, preventing premature conversion of levodopa to dopamine in the periphery, thereby reducing systemic side effects and improving central nervous system bioavailability.

Approved indications

• Parkinson's disease

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Dyskinesia
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations

Key clinical trials

• Evaluation of the Effects of Levodopa-Benserazide Drug Combination on Periodontal Status in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
• Efficacy and Safety of Entacapone Combined With Madopar in the Treatment of Early Parkinson's Disease: An Observational, Multicenter, Case-Control Study
• Dopamine and Brain Computer Interface (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Relative Bioavailability Study of HRG2010 in Healthy Subjects (PHASE1)
• Effect of Fecal Microbiota Transfer on Progression of Parkinson Disease (PHASE2)
• eArly levoDopa With Opicapone in Parkinson's paTients wIth motOr fluctuatioNs. (PHASE4)
• REALITY MONITORING (NA)
• Dopamine, Reward Learning and Sex Hormones (NA)

Primary sources

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