levodopa

levodopa /le·vo·do·pa/ (-do´pah) -dopa; the levorotatory isomer of dopa, used as an antiparkinsonian agent.

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le·vo·do·pa (lv-dp)

n.

See L-dopa.

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Levodopa (L-dopa)

A substance used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa can cross the blood-brain barrier that protects the brain. Once in the brain, it is converted to dopamine and thus can replace the dopamine lost in Parkinson's disease.

Mentioned in: Movement Disorders

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levodopa

[lē′vōdō′pə]

an antiparkinsonian agent.

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, juvenile forms of Huntington's disease when rigidity is the main feature, and chronic manganese poisoning (which can lead to Parkinson-like symptoms in welders).

contraindications Narrow-angle glaucoma, concomitant use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, suspected melanoma, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse effects are severe GI disturbances, hypotension, various movement disorders, emotional changes, cardiac arrhythmia, and anorexia.

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levodopa [le″vo-do´pah]

l-dopa, the levorotatory isomer of dopa; used in treatment of parkinson's disease and other forms of parkinsonism, administered orally.

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levodopa

(lev´ōdō´p),
n brand names: Larodopa, Dopar;
class drug: antiparkinson agent;
action: levodopa is decarboxylated to dopamine, which can interact with dopamine receptors;
uses: parkinsonism or parkinsonian symptoms.

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levodopa, L-DOPA

the pharmaceutical name for dopa.

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levodopa

Neuropharmacology The l- isomer of dopa, which is converted in vivo into dopamine, and used as a first-line anti-Parkinsonian agent Therapeutic range 0.2–0.3 µg/mL