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Biological: Behavioural genetics · Evolutionary psychology · Neuroanatomy · Neurochemistry · Neuroendocrinology · Neuroscience · Psychoneuroimmunology · Physiological Psychology · Psychopharmacology (Index, Outline)
Carbidopa chemical structure | |
(2S)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydrazinyl-2-methyl- propanoic acid IUPAC name | |
CAS number 38821-49-7 |
ATC code [[ATC_code_|]][1] |
PubChem 34359 |
DrugBank APRD00160 |
Chemical formula | {{{chemical_formula}}} |
Molecular weight | 226.229 g/mol |
Bioavailability | |
Metabolism | decarboxylated to dopamine in extracerebral tissues |
Elimination half-life | 1-2 hours |
Excretion | |
Pregnancy category | |
Legal status | |
Routes of administration |
Carbidopa (MK-486, tradename Lodosyn) is a drug given to people with Parkinson's disease in order to inhibit peripheral metabolism of levodopa.
Carbidopa inhibits aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase (DOPA Decarboxylase or DDC), an enzyme important in the biosynthesis of L-tryptophan to serotonin and in the biosynthesis of L-DOPA to Dopamine (DA). Along with carbidopa, other DDC inhibitors are benserazide (Ro-4-4602), difluromethyldopa, and α-methyldopa.
Used in tandem with L-DOPA (trade name levodopa, a dopamine precursor converted in the body to dopamine), it increases the plasma half-life of levodopa from 50 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. CarbiDOPA cannot cross the blood brain barrier, so it inhibits only peripheral DDC. It thus prevents the conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine peripherally. This reduces the side effects caused by dopamine on the periphery, as well as increasing the concentration of L-DOPA and dopamine in the brain.
The combination of carbidopa/levodopa) carries the brand names of Sinemet, Parcopa and Atamet; whilst Stalevo is a combination with entacapone, which enhances the bioavailability of carbidopa and levodopa.
Carbidopa is also used in combination with 5-HTP, a naturally-occurring amino acid which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism. Carbidopa prevents 5-HTP's metabolism in the liver, which can lead to elevated levels of serotonin in the bloodstream. Research shows that co-administration of 5-HTP and carbidopa greatly increases plasma 5-HTP levels.
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