左旋多巴

A natural amino acid, an immediate precursor of dopamine and with similar effects to it.
Indicated in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, where there is a lack of dopamine in the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter.
In order to avoid the peripheral effects of levodopa by becoming dopamine (nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias), levodopa is associated with carbidopa or benserazide, which block peripheral enzymes that metabolize levodopa, and allow more levodopa to reach the brain and it can be given at a lower dose.
Oral administration 3 to 4 times a day.


Although data is limited, levodopa is excreted in breastmilk in clinically non-significant amounts, 100 times lower than the dose used in infants who need it (Thulin 1998) and no short or long-term problems have been observed in infants whose mothers took it (Thulin 1998).

Levodopa decreases prolactin secretion (WHO 2002, Petraglia 1987, Nattero 1986, Linkowski 1983, Kaulhausen 1982, Rao 1982), but the stimulation of infant sucking is usually sufficient to ensure the production of breastmilk; in fact, a mother breastfed for at least 4.5 months while continuing treatment (Thulin 1998).
Another mother, suffering from Parkinson's which was very difficult control, with continuous intravenous infusion of levodopa and carbidopa gel in duodenal administration since pregnancy, breastfed for three months: the psychomotor development of the infant was normal, but not the child’s weight which was affected by malnutrition intrauterine (Zlotnik 2014).

Carbidopa, which is always associated with levodopa, inhibits the suppressive effects of levodopa on prolactin (Camanni 1978).

Levodopa does not preclude breastfeeding (Thulin 1998).

See below the information of this related product:

• Carbidopa (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)