Benserazide Hydrochloride
Benserazide Hydrochloride is a peripheral DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor used almost exclusively in combination with levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism. By preventing the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain, it increases the amount of levodopa available to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted to dopamine.
Benserazide is a companion medication to levodopa that enhances its effectiveness in treating Parkinson's disease by inhibiting its premature conversion to dopamine outside the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 235765
- Generic
- Benserazide Hydrochloride
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Benserazide is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and symptomatic parkinsonism. It is always administered in fixed combination with levodopa (known commercially as Madopar or Prolopa) and is not used as monotherapy.
Benserazide inhibits the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase (aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase) in peripheral tissues. This prevents levodopa from being converted to dopamine before it can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain where it is converted to dopamine to compensate for the loss of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.
Benserazide does not cross the blood-brain barrier significantly, so it does not interfere with the central conversion of levodopa to dopamine. Combination formulations with levodopa reduce the required dose of levodopa and may decrease peripheral side effects such as nausea and hypotension. Use is contraindicated in patients taking non-selective MAO inhibitors, and close monitoring is required for patients with cardiovascular, endocrine, or psychiatric conditions.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy