What Is Carbidopa Used For?

Carbidopa is used for treating Parkinson's disease. It is also approved for the treatment of Parkinson-like symptoms due to encephalitis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and manganese poisoning. Carbidopa is used in combination with levodopa products, to help eliminate some of the side effects that accompany levodopa therapy. There are currently no carbidopa uses approved for children.

Carbidopa Uses: An Overview

Carbidopa (Lodosyn®) is a prescription Parkinson's disease medication always used in combination with levodopa products (Sinemet®, Sinemet® CR, Parcopa®, or Stalevo®). In addition to treating Parkinson's disease, carbidopa is also approved to treat Parkinson-like symptoms due to carbon monoxide poisoning, manganese poisoning, or encephalitis (inflammation or infection of the brain).
 
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results from the loss of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. This creates a shortage of the brain-signaling chemical (neurotransmitter) known as dopamine, causing movement problems that are characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not currently known.
 
Although early symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be subtle, people will eventually develop a characteristic tremor (trembling or shaking) of a limb, especially when the body is at rest. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen and new ones may appear.
 
Depending on the severity of a person's symptoms, Parkinson's disease treatment can include:
 
When used alone, carbidopa has no activity against Parkinson's disease, which is why it is always combined with levodopa.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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