Dispersible levodopa has a fast and more reproducible onset of action than the conventional preparation in Parkinson's disease. A study with optoelectronic movement analysis

Abstract

In a crossover study we compared the single dose effect of 200mg levodopa (plus decarboxylase inhibitor) in the form of Madopar with that of Madopar Dispersible on the motor performance of eight patients with Parkinson's disease, after 12h without their ordinary anti-parkinsonian medication and food intake. Objective recording of their performance was done with an opto-electronic camera and automatic computerised treatment of the movement data and with scoring according to the United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. We conclude that Madopar Dispersible has a much faster and more constant onset of action than the standard preparation (25 vs 46min.). The effect duration and the effects on motor performance were otherwise the same.