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Levodopa / 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 / Carbidopa |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Sinemet |
| Sponsor | Ross D. Zafonte, MD |
| Drug class | Dopamine precursor with peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor |
| Target | Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC); dopamine pathway |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted to dopamine by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). Carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so it blocks peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine, reducing side effects and increasing the amount of levodopa available for central nervous system conversion. This combination restores dopamine levels in Parkinson's disease patients.
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
- Dizziness
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 |