Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa

Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa is a combination medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is a prodrug of carbidopa and levodopa, which are both used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The medication is designed to increase the bioavailability of levodopa, thereby enhancing its therapeutic effects.

Pharmacology

Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa is a prodrug, meaning it is metabolized in the body to produce the active drugs, carbidopa and levodopa. Carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor, which prevents the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine. This allows more levodopa to reach the brain, where it is converted to dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is deficient in Parkinson's disease.

Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine. It is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted to dopamine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. The increased levels of dopamine in the brain help to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Clinical Use

Foscarbidopa/foslevodopa is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is typically used in patients who have not responded adequately to treatment with levodopa alone. The addition of carbidopa allows for lower doses of levodopa to be used, which can reduce the side effects associated with levodopa therapy.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of foscarbidopa/foslevodopa include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Other side effects can include dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. In rare cases, foscarbidopa/foslevodopa can cause serious side effects such as hallucinations, depression, and irregular heartbeat.

See Also

• Parkinson's disease
• Carbidopa
• Levodopa
• Dopamine

References

• Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families (Second Edition), by William J. Weiner, Lisa M. Shulman, and Anthony E. Lang
• The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (Twelfth Edition), by Laurence L. Brunton, Bruce A. Chabner, and Bjorn C. Knollmann