Benserazide

Products Benserazide is commercially available in fixed combination with levodopa in tablet and capsule form (Madopar). It has been approved in many countries since 1973. Structure and properties Benserazide (C10H15N3O5, Mr = 257.2 g/mol) is a racemate. It exists as benserazide hydrochloride, a white to yellowish-white or orange-white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in … Benserazide

Pharmacokinetic Booster

Definition and mechanisms A pharmacokinetic booster is an agent that improves the pharmacokinetic properties of another agent. It is a desirable drug interaction It can exert its effects at different levels (ADME): Absorption (uptake into the body). Distribution (distribution) Metabolism and first-pass metabolism (metabolization). Elimination (excretion) Pharmacokinetic enhancers can increase absorption, increase distribution to an … Pharmacokinetic Booster

Decarboxylase Inhibitor

Effects Decarboxylase inhibitors inhibit decarboxylase, which metabolizes levodopa to dopamine. They are used exclusively in combination with levodopa to treat Parkinson’s disease. Their effect is limited to the periphery because they hardly cross the blood–brain barrier. Decarboxylase inhibitors thus allow more or less selective degradation of levodopa to dopamine in the central nervous system and … Decarboxylase Inhibitor

Antiparkinsonian

Effects The majority of antiparkinsonian drugs are directly or indirectly dopaminergic. Some are anticholinergic in action. Indications Parkinson’s disease, including drug-induced Parkinson’s disease in some cases. Drug treatment Overview of drug therapy: 1. dopaminergic agents Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine and is considered the most important and effective pharmacotherapy for PD. Combining it with … Antiparkinsonian

Dopamine Agonists

Products Dopamine agonists are commercially available in the form of tablets, sustained-release tablets, transdermal patches, and injectables, among others. Structure and properties The first active ingredients, such as bromocriptine (Figure), were derived from ergot alkaloids. These are referred to as ergoline dopamine agonists. Later, agents with a nonergoline structure, such as pramipexole, were also developed. … Dopamine Agonists

Opicapon

Products Opicapone was approved in the EU in 2016 and in many countries in 2018 in hard capsule form (Ongentys). Structure and properties Opicapone (C15H10Cl2N4O6, Mr = 413.2 g/mol) is an oxadiazole derivative with a pyridine–oxide at position 3. The compound was designed with the goal of developing an effective and safer COMT inhibitor. This … Opicapon

Levodopa: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Products Levodopa is marketed exclusively as combination products together with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa or benserazide) or a COMT inhibitor (entacapone). It has been approved in many countries since 1973 and is commercially available in tablet, capsule, suspendable tablet, and sustained-release tablet forms, among others. Structure and properties Levodopa (C9H11NO4, Mr = 197.2 g/mol) … Levodopa: Drug Effects, Side Effects, Dosage and Uses

Levodopa Inhalation

Products Levodopa for inhalation was approved in the United States in 2018 and in the EU in 2019 (Inbrija, capsules containing a powder for inhalation). Structure and properties Levodopa (C9H11NO4, Mr = 197.2 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water. It is a derivative of the amino acid tyrosine. … Levodopa Inhalation