Levodopa/carbidopa for childhood amblyopia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of two low doses of levodopa/carbidopa (25/6.25 mg, 50/12.5 mg) and placebo (Tums) in 20 children with amblyopia between the ages of 4 and 14 years.


METHODS
A double-masked placebo-controlled randomized 8-hour study was performed during which subjects received one of two doses of levodopa/carbidopa or placebo, combined with occlusion of the dominant eye. Visual acuity was measured at baseline and at 1 and 5 hours after capsule ingestion. Tolerance was assessed by questionnaire and physical examination.


RESULTS
Visual acuity significantly improved by one line, from an overall average of 20/121 to 20/96, in the amblyopic eyes of both groups that received levodopa/carbidopa. Visual acuity did not significantly change in the placebo group. Tolerance was similar among all three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Average dose levels of 0.95/0.24 mg/kg and 1.94/0.49 mg/kg of levodopa/carbidopa were found to be well tolerated and efficacious at temporarily improving visual acuity in amblyopic eyes of children.
Leguire
L E
LE
Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205.
Rogers
G L
GL
Bremer
D L
DL
Walson
P D
PD
McGregor
M L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000550:Amblyopia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D014792:Visual Acuity
D007980:Levodopa; D002230:Carbidopa