carbidopa
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009
