Effects of dietary factors on levodopa pharmacokinetics.
BACKGROUND
Levodopa is the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, so it is important to understand the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of this drug. Considering the pharmacokinetics of levodopa and the factors that can modify it are essential for the clinician when prescribing levodopa products in order to maximize their therapeutic effects.


METHODS
This paper reviews the studies carried out evaluating the interaction between levodopa and dietary factors.


RESULTS
The reader will gain a greater understanding of the different dietary factors that can affect levodopa pharmacokinetics and, thus, the therapeutic response that is obtained with this drug in several situations.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of the pharmacokinetics of any drug is crucial for the establishment of its optimal therapeutic regimen, but this assumes a special importance with levodopa, due to its extensive presystemic metabolism, rapid absorption in the proximal small intestine and short plasma half-life. Major problems with levodopa treatment are the fluctuations in clinical response experienced in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease that sometimes are related to the peripheral pharmacokinetics of levodopa. Studies of levodopa interactions are very important to improve patient response to this drug.
Fernandez
Nelida
N
Universidad de Leon, Instituto de Biomedicina, Area de Farmacologia, 24071 Leon, Spain. nelida.fernandez@unileon.es
Garcia
Juan J
JJ
Diez
Maria Jose
MJ
Sahagun
Ana M
AM
Díez
Raquel
R
Sierra
Matilde
M
D000818:Animals; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000494:pharmacology; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D018565:Food-Drug Interactions; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007980:Levodopa / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D007980:Levodopa