Carbidopa
Uses of Carbidopa
Carbidopa is commonly used to treat Parkinson's Disease
How Carbidopa Works
Carbidopa is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. It prevents the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine by inhibiting the decarboxylase enzyme.
Side Effects of Carbidopa
Anorexia, Hallucinations and confusion, Dizziness, fatigue, Dyskinesia, Palpitation, Orthostatic hypotension, Nausea and vomiting, Depression and very rarely with suicide, Sleeping difficulty
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Carbidopa should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose titration may be needed. Therefore, please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Carbidopa as it may cause side effects such as dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations and fatigue.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Carbidopa may be unsafe to take during pregnancy as the animal studies have shown repeated toxicity on the fetus. However, there is insufficient data on the adverse effect of fetus based on human studies. The use may be permissible when its risks outweigh the benefits. Please consult your doctor.
Driving Not advisable
It is common to experience dizziness, fatigue, and sleepiness when taking Carbidopa. Therefore, it is not advisable to drive as it may affect your ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Use With Care
Carbidopa should not be used in patients with severe liver disease. Dose titration is required in patients with mild to moderate liver disease.
Lactation Not Advisable
Carbidopa is probably safe to use during lactation. It is present in human milk and proven to reduce prolactin production. Hence, it is not recommended to be used in lactating women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
