carbidopa + levodopa

Carbidopa + levodopa is a fixed-dose combination of two small molecule drugs used primarily to treat Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism caused by other conditions such as encephalitis or poisoning (e.g., carbon monoxide, manganese)[1][2][3][5]. Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain, replenishing deficient levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Carbidopa is an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents peripheral breakdown of levodopa, increasing its availability to the brain and reducing side effects like nausea[1][2][3]. The combination allows for lower doses of levodopa with improved tolerability. It does not cure Parkinson’s disease but significantly improves symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia[1][2].

Brand names

SinemetRytaryParcopaCrexantDhivyDuopaAtamet

Other names

carbidopa/levodopa