title: Levodopa stability in solution: time course, environmental effects, and practical recommendations for clinical use.
abstract: We defined the temporal stability characteristics of levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) solution, and determined the effects of temperature, ascorbate, and light on LD stability over 7 days. At room temperature and without ascorbate, LD levels significantly declined by 48 h. Ascorbate prolonged stability to 72 h. Refrigeration and freezing prevented a significant decline in LD levels for the full 7 days. Light or darkness had no effect on stability. LD/CD solution, if made daily, requires no special handling and longer stability is maintained with ascorbate, refrigeration, or freezing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Pappert
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Buhrfiend
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lipton
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Carvey
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Stebbins
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Goetz
mesh_terms: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008027:Light; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; C009265:carbidopa, levodopa drug combination; D007980:Levodopa; D002230:Carbidopa; D001205:Ascorbic Acid