benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa at a glance
Medicine class
Levodopa with a peripheral dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor.
Licensed role
Relieves motor symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition.
Available forms
Immediate-release capsules, dispersible tablets and prolonged-release capsules have different administration and release characteristics.
Timing matters
Delayed or omitted treatment can rapidly worsen mobility and swallowing.
What is benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa used for?
Licensed uses include:
Idiopathic and post-encephalitic parkinsonism.
Treatment across all stages of Parkinson’s disease with the prolonged-release product, particularly where symptoms fluctuate or wearing-off occurs.
How does benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa work?
Levodopa enters the brain and is converted to dopamine, supporting movement-related nerve signals. Benserazide inhibits levodopa conversion outside the brain, allowing more to reach the brain and reducing peripheral effects such as nausea and rapid heartbeat.
benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg + 12.5 mg, 100 mg + 25 mg, 200 mg + 50 mg
Dispersible tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg + 12.5 mg, 100 mg + 25 mg
How to take benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa
Follow the dispensing label and keep administration times consistent. Do not change formulation or stop treatment without specialist advice.
Swallow standard and prolonged-release capsules whole with water; do not crush or chew them. Prolonged-release capsules must not be opened.
Immediate-release Madopar is usually taken away from meals because protein-rich food can reduce absorption. Do not delay time-critical treatment solely because of food.
Disperse dispersible tablets in water or diluted orange squash, stir and drink within 30 minutes. Do not use orange juice.
benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Dizziness on standing
- Sleep disturbance or daytime sleepiness
- Involuntary movements
- Changes in taste
- Harmless reddish or dark discoloration of urine, saliva or mouth tissues
Get urgent medical advice
- Hallucinations, delusions, marked confusion or significant mood changes
- Sudden sleep episodes
- Fainting or a fast or irregular heartbeat
- Repeated infections, unusual bruising, mouth ulcers or bleeding gums
- Uncontrollable gambling, spending, eating or sexual urges, or craving excessive medicine
- Blood in vomit, black stools, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, seizure or serious allergic reaction
benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa in pregnancy
The selected product information contraindicates use during pregnancy and recommends effective contraception where relevant. Evidence is limited, although a specialist may occasionally judge that benefits outweigh risks. Contact the prescriber promptly if planning pregnancy or pregnancy occurs; do not stop suddenly without medical direction.
benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa while breastfeeding
The selected product information advises against breastfeeding because safety is not established. Very limited evidence suggests specialist-supervised use may sometimes be possible for a healthy infant, with monitoring of feeding, movement, sleep and gastrointestinal symptoms. Levodopa may reduce milk production.
benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and complementary products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Concomitant use can cause a hypertensive crisis and is contraindicated; disclose recent use before treatment.
Iron preparations
Ferrous sulfate can reduce levodopa exposure and symptom control.
Dopamine-blocking antipsychotics
Medicines such as haloperidol or risperidone may oppose the antiparkinsonian effect and worsen symptoms.
Common questions about benserazide hydrochloride + levodopa
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this the same as co-beneldopa?
Yes. Co-beneldopa is the accepted name for levodopa combined with benserazide; Madopar is a brand name.
Does it cure Parkinson’s disease?
No. It can improve slowness, stiffness and tremor but does not prevent the underlying loss of dopamine-producing cells.
Can it cause sudden sleep?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.