Levodopa combined with peripheral decarboxylase inhibition in Parkinson's disease.
The authors report their experience, over a 26-month period, in the management of 60 parkinsonian patients with the combination of levodopa and an inhibitor of peripheral dopa-decarboxylase, Ro 4-4602. This approach to Parkinson's disease is useful, safe, and at least as effective as levodopa alone. To date there have been no recognizable toxic effects attributable to Ro 4-4602. This agent appears to prolong the duration of action of levodopa, smoothing out its therapeutic effects. The percentage of patients obtaining a very good and excellent response is slightly increased. There is a possible diminution in the late-occurring bradykinetic and hypotonic freezing episodes. Nausea and cardiac arrhythmias are lessened, as are the incidence and severity of hypotension. Abnormal involuntary movements remain the limiting adverse side effect.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D065105:Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase Inhibitors; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced; D001593:Benzyl Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced; D008875:Middle Aged; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012694:Serine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000139:chemically induced
D065105:Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase Inhibitors; D001593:Benzyl Compounds; D006834:Hydrazines; D012694:Serine; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine