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.
D-dopa
Introduction
D-DOPA (Dextrodopa) is similar to L-DOPA (levodopa, 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine), but differs in its property of dextrorotation. Levo- and dextro- rotation reference a molecules ability to rotate planes of polarized light in either direction.
While L-Dopa is moderately effective against the loss of natural dopamine in Parkinson’s disease, D-Dopa is biologically inactive. D- dopa is L- Dopa’s enantiomer. See L-DOPA for more information about DOPA in general.