Co-careldopa
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Agonist | Levodopa |
| Enzyme inhibitor | Carbidopa |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Atamet, Carbilev, Sinemet |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a601068 |
| License data | |
| Pregnancy category |
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| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
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| PubChem CID | |
| ChemSpider | |
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Carbidopa/levodopa, also known as levocarb and co-careldopa, is the combination of the two medications carbidopa and levodopa. It is primarily used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease but does not change the course of the disease. It is taken by mouth. It can take two to three weeks of treatment before benefits are seen. Each dose then begins working in about ten minutes with a duration of effect of about five hours.
Common side effects include movement problems and nausea. More serious side effects include depression, low blood pressure with standing, sudden onset of sleepiness, psychosis, and increased risk taking behavior. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa outside of the brain. In the brain, levodopa is broken down into dopamine by which it has its effects.
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. It is available as a generic medication and is moderately expensive. The wholesale price in the developing world is about 1.80 to 3.00 USD a month. In the United States a month's supply is about 50 to 150 USD.
It is primarily used to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease but does not change the course of the disease. It can take two to three weeks of treatment before benefits are seen. Each dose then begins working in about ten minutes with a duration of effect of about five hours.
A formulation that can be given in an intra-intestinal pump, known as Duodopa is being developed.
Other uses include for dopamine-responsive dystonia (DRD) and restless legs syndrome.
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