L-DOPA

Dopamine Precursorprescription

Levodopa, the metabolic precursor of dopamine. Clinical Parkinson therapy normally combines it with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor such as carbidopa; this standalone identity remains separate from that fixed combination and from variable Mucuna pruriens preparations.

Pharmacokinetic model

A route-level PK model for l-dopa is being prepared from published data. Dosing references, studies, and documented interactions are below; the app catalog is updated as models are validated.

Key facts

Category: Dopamine Precursor
Suggested cadence: once daily

Research behind this entry

Dietary Approaches to Improve Efficacy and Control Side Effects of Levodopa Therapy in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review Boelens Keun JT, Arnoldussen IA, Vriend C, van de Rest O · Advances in Nutrition, 2021 DOI
Systematic review of 22 human papers found that protein distribution, fiber, and other dietary factors can change levodopa response or absorption. The reviewed clinical regimens generally involve managed Parkinson…
Levodopa and the progression of Parkinson's disease. Fahn S, Oakes D, Shoulson I, Kieburtz K, Rudolph A, Lang A, Olanow CW, Tanner C, Marek K, Parkinson Study Group · The New England journal of medicine, 2004 DOI
This citation reports a human clinical study involving L-DOPA. It does not by itself establish a qualified dose, safety profile, efficacy claim, or pharmacokinetic route for this record.

2 published studies referenced in the app, each with a plain-language summary.