Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Benserazide
Introduction
Benserazide is an inhibitor of DOPA decarboxylase that does not enter the central nervous system. It is often given in combination with L-DOPA (levodopa) as Co-Beneldopa (BAN) (e.g. Madopar® by Roche in UK) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease to prevent the conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine in the periphery (due to its molecular size it can not penetrate the blood brain barrier) the amount that reaches the central nervous system and reducing the required dose, and also decreasing side effects due to the presence of dopamine in the system (outside of the central nervous system). It has no antiparkinson actions when given alone.