Benserazide / Levodopa
Benserazide/Levodopa is a combination medication used to treat Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism. Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, helping to restore movement control, while benserazide prevents this conversion outside the brain, allowing more medication to reach its target and reducing side effects like nausea.
This combination medication treats Parkinson's disease by replenishing brain dopamine while minimizing peripheral side effects.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 619749
- Generic
- Benserazide / Levodopa
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- 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.
Treatment of Parkinson's disease, including idiopathic parkinsonism and post-encephalitic parkinsonism. May also be used for symptomatic parkinsonism following other conditions or medications.
Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase in the brain. Benserazide, a peripheral DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, prevents levodopa from being converted to dopamine in peripheral tissues, increasing brain delivery and reducing peripheral dopamine-related side effects.
May cause drowsiness or sudden sleep episodes; patients should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Avoid abrupt discontinuation as this may precipitate neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome. Gastrointestinal disturbances, dyskinesias, and psychiatric effects are common. Inform your doctor about all medications, especially antipsychotics and MAO inhibitors, as interactions can occur.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy