ABSTRACT
Levodopa, a dopamine precursor, crosses the blood–brain barrier. Thus, it is able to help to correct the akinesia associated with Parkinson’s disease by forming dopamine at nigro-striatal dopaminergic sites. For patients whose Parkinson’s disease has been managed with levodopa pharmacotherapy alone, discontinue their levodopa pharmacotherapy for at least 12 hours before initiating fixed-ratio combination levodopa and benserazide pharmacotherapy. Initiate fixed-ratio combination levodopa and benserazide pharmacotherapy at a levodopa dosage ~15% of the previous levodopa dosage. Fixed-ratio combination levodopa and benserazide pharmacotherapy has been associated with postural (orthostatic) hypotension. Therefore, concurrent pharmacotherapy will require blood pressure monitoring. The signs and symptoms of fixed-ratio combination levodopa and benserazide overdosage include abnormal involuntary movements.
