carbidopa

noun

car·​bi·​do·​pa ˌkär-bə-ˈdō-pə 

: a drug C₁₀H₁₄N₂O₄·H₂O that inhibits decarboxylation of L-dopa in tissues outside the brain and that is administered with L-dopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to increase the amount of L-dopa available for transport to the brain

Examples of carbidopa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, some levodopa medications also contain carbidopa, which can counteract the interaction.4 Vitamin K and blood-thinning medications. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 25 May 2023

Hinz's most controversial claim is that carbidopa — a component of the prescription Sinemet, the mainstream treatment for Parkinson's — is associated with greater death rates from the disease. —Joe Carlson and Brooks Johnson, Star Tribune, 23 July 2021

Turns out that certain intestinal microbes can also digest the drug, and, surprisingly, carbidopa does not stop them. —Claudia Wallis, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

probably from (de)carb(oxylation) + -i- + (L-)dopa

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

carbidopa

noun

car·​bi·​do·​pa ˌkär-bə-ˈdō-pə 

: a drug C₁₀H₁₄N₂O₄·H₂O that inhibits decarboxylation of L-dopa in tissues outside the brain and that is typically administered in combination with L-dopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to increase the amount of L-dopa available for transport to the brain

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing carbidopa include Duopa, Lodosyn, Parcopa, Rytary, Sinemet, and Stalevo.