Effect of D-penicillamine on pharmacokinetics of levodopa in Parkinson's disease.
A 42-year-old man had suffered from Parkinson's disease for 5 years. Levodopa was effective, but the wearing-off phenomena were severe. Because of relatively low levels of serum copper and ceruloplasmin, D-penicillamine was administered. D-penicillamine increased plasma levodopa concentrations, thereby improving his parkinsonian symptoms. We propose that D-penicillamine facilitates levodopa absorption and, hence, the efficacy of the antiparkinsonian drug.
Mizuta
E
E
Department of Neurology, Utano National Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
Kuno
S
S
D000042:Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008297:Male; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007980:Levodopa; D010396:Penicillamine