Oral levodopa/carbidopa solution versus tablets in Parkinson's patients with severe fluctuations: a pilot study.

Abstract

Four patients with Parkinson's disease, optimally treated with levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) tablets but experiencing severe motor fluctuations, underwent an open trial of a levodopa/carbidopa/ascorbic acid solution (LCAS) orally at timed intervals. LCAS reduced bradykinesia, decreased dysfunctional dyskinesia, and increased functional "on" time when compared with previous LD/CD tablet therapy. Oral LCAS allowed better titration of levodopa dosage and offered a more predictable response than LD/CD tablets. Preparation and oral consumption of LCAS was easy and inexpensive. LCAS may be a practical alternative for patients whose motor fluctuations fail to respond to optimal therapy with LD/CD tablets.