Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa

Combination drug for Parkinson's disease

Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa is a combination medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It consists of two active components: foscarbidopa and foslevodopa. This combination is designed to improve the delivery and effectiveness of levodopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is deficient in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Mechanism of Action

Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa works by enhancing the availability of levodopa in the brain. Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, which helps alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement.

Foscarbidopa

Foscarbidopa structure

Foscarbidopa is a prodrug of carbidopa. It acts as a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor, preventing the conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside the brain. This ensures that more levodopa reaches the central nervous system, where it can be converted to dopamine.

Foslevodopa

Foslevodopa structure

Foslevodopa is a prodrug of levodopa. It is designed to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of levodopa, allowing for better absorption and bioavailability. Once in the body, foslevodopa is converted to levodopa, which then crosses the blood-brain barrier to be converted into dopamine.

Clinical Use

Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa is primarily used in the management of Parkinson's disease. It is particularly beneficial for patients who experience fluctuations in the effectiveness of standard levodopa therapy, known as "on-off" phenomena. By improving the delivery of levodopa, this combination can provide more consistent symptom control.

Administration

The medication is typically administered orally. The dosage and frequency depend on the individual patient's needs and response to therapy. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's instructions carefully to optimize treatment outcomes.

Side Effects

Common side effects of foscarbidopa/foslevodopa include nausea, dizziness, and headache. As with any medication, there is a risk of more serious side effects, and patients should be monitored for any adverse reactions.

Related Pages

• Parkinson's disease
• Levodopa
• Dopamine
• Carbidopa