- benserazide
- An l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (dopa decarboxylase) inhibitor resembling carbidopa in action; given in combination with levodopa as an antiparkinsonian regimen. The b. prevents peripheral destruction of levodopa and thus reduces cardiovascular side effect s of treatment.
* * *
n.a drug that prevents the breakdown of levodopa to dopamine outside the brain by inhibiting the enzyme dopa decarboxylase. Administered by mouth in combination with levodopa (as Madopar), it is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Possible side-effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, involuntary movements, and faintness on standing up.* * *
ben·ser·a·zide (ben-serґə-zīd) an inhibitor of the decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa to dopamine, having actions similar to those of carbidopa. When given with levodopa, benserazide produces higher brain concentrations of dopamine with lower doses of levodopa, thus lessening the side effects seen with higher doses. It is used orally, in conjunction with levodopa, as an antiparkinsonian agent.
Medical dictionary. 2011.