Carbidopa (Carbidopa)
Overview of 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.
Indication of Carbidopa
Carbidopa is primarily indicated in conditions like Dopa-responsive dystonia, Parkinsonism, Parkinson's disease, Postencephalitic parkinsonism, Symptomatic parkinsonism.
Contraindication of Carbidopa
Carbidopa is contraindicated in conditions like Psychosis,Narrow-angle glaucoma.
Side Effects of Carbidopa
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.
Precautions of Carbidopa
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.