Carbidopa is a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor used in combination with levodopa for the symptomatic treatment of idiopathic Parkinson disease and other conditions associated with parkinsonian symptoms. Carbidopa presents a chemical denomination of N-amino-alpha-methyl-3-hydroxy-L-tyrosine monohydrate.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
Carbidopa is an inhibitor of the DDC which in order, inhibits the peripheral metabolism of levodopa. DDC is very important in the biosynthesis of L-tryptophan to serotonin and the modification of L-DOPA to dopamine.
DDC can be found in the body periphery and in the blood-brain barrier. The action of carbidopa is focused on peripheral DDC as this drug cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Hence, it will prevent the metabolism of levodopa in the periphery but it will not have any activity on the generation of dopamine in the brain.
- Primary indication
- Carbidopa is indicated with levodopa for the treatment of symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson disease, postencephalitic parkinsonism and symptomatic parkinsonism followed by carbon monoxide or manganese intoxication.Curator reviewed · 5 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C10H14N2O4 · 226.2292 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2002 · United States, 1975 · European Union, 2016
- Also known as
- (S)-carbidopa
- Code names
- MK-486
- Brand names
Resolves to
TZFNLOMSOLWIDK-JTQLQIEISA-NSMILESC[C@@](CC1=CC(O)=C(O)C=C1)(NN)C(O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Carbidopa, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account