Oral levodopa/carbidopa solution versus tablets in Parkinson's patients with severe fluctuations: a pilot study

Neurology. 1993 May;43(5):1036-9. doi: 10.1212/wnl.43.5.1036.

Abstract

Four patients with Parkinson's disease, optimally treated with levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) tablets but experiencing severe motor fluctuations, underwent an open trial of a levodopa/carbidopa/ascorbic acid solution (LCAS) orally at timed intervals. LCAS reduced bradykinesia, decreased dysfunctional dyskinesia, and increased functional "on" time when compared with previous LD/CD tablet therapy. Oral LCAS allowed better titration of levodopa dosage and offered a more predictable response than LD/CD tablets. Preparation and oral consumption of LCAS was easy and inexpensive. LCAS may be a practical alternative for patients whose motor fluctuations fail to respond to optimal therapy with LD/CD tablets.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activity Cycles
  • Carbidopa / administration & dosage
  • Carbidopa / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage
  • Levodopa / blood
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Solutions
  • Tablets

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Solutions
  • Tablets
  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa