benserazide

Benserazide is a peripherally acting aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (DOPA decarboxylase) inhibitor that does not cross the blood–brain barrier. It is primarily used in combination with levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism. By inhibiting peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside the brain—where dopamine cannot cross into the central nervous system—benserazide increases the amount of levodopa available to enter the brain and be converted to dopamine where it is needed. This reduces peripheral side effects such as nausea and arrhythmia associated with increased systemic dopamine levels[5][1][2]. Benserazide has little or no therapeutic effect on its own but acts synergistically with levodopa. It may also be used in restless leg syndrome and has been investigated for beta thalassaemia[2].

Brand names

MadoparProlopaSerazide

Other names

BenserazidaBenserazidumDL-Serine 2-(2,3,4-trihydroxybenzyl)hydrazideDL-Seryltrihydroxybenzylhydrazine