levodopa |
|
|
|
|
|
The immediate precursor of dopamine, which can be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It can be taken orally and can cross the blood-brain barrier, thus entering the brain. It is rapidly taken up by dopaminergic neurons and converted to dopamine. Levodopa must be given with a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor to prevent its metabolism in the periphery before it can produce its therapeutic effects. |
|
|
|
|