Carbidopa
Carbidopa Information

About Carbidopa

Carbidopa is inhibitor of L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, also called dopa decarboxylase. Chemically Carbidopa is identified as (-)-L-a-hydrazino-3, 4-dihydroxy-a-methylhydrocinnamic acid monohydrate. It has no direct therapeutic effects of its own but rather is used only to protect levodopa and L-5-hydroxytryptophan, both of which are decarboxylated by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Carbidopa is used to treat symptoms of parkinson's disease. If patient is switching from plain levodopa to combination of levodopa and it, levodopa must be discontinued for 8 hours before taking this combination drug.

Indications

Carbidopa is primarily indicated in conditions like Dopa-responsive dystonia, Parkinsonism, Parkinson's disease, Postencephalitic parkinsonism, Symptomatic parkinsonism.

Contraindication

Carbidopa is contraindicated in conditions like Psychosis,Narrow-angle glaucoma.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Carbidopa, which give rise to further complications include Postural hypotension, Psychiatric disturbances, Fluctuating disability, Dyskinesias.Carbidopa produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Carbidopa therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Carbidopa are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Palpitation, GI upset.

Warnings

Carbidopa should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, history of skin cancer, breathing problems, heart, kidney, liver, endocrine disease, ulcers, depression or blood disorders. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Do not take this medication during lactation.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.