Carbidopa: What Is Carbidopa
Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
What is carbidopa?
Carbidopa is used with levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is believed to be related to low levels of a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) in the brain. Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa) is turned into dopamine in the body. Carbidopa is used with levodopa to prevent the breakdown (metabolism) of levodopa before it can reach the brain and take effect. Carbidopa is only effective if it is taken with levodopa. It has no effect if it is used alone.
Carbidopa is used with levodopa to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control of Parkinson's disease. These medications are also used to treat the same muscular conditions when they are caused by drugs such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others.
Carbidopa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
| Last updated: | February 13, 2004 |
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© 2007, Cerner Multum, INC. Version: 5.02.
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