Levodopa combined with peripheral decarboxylase inhibition in Parkinson's disease.

The authors report their experience, over a 26-month period, in the management of 60 parkinsonian patients with the combination of levodopa and an inhibitor of peripheral dopa-decarboxylase, Ro 4-4602. This approach to Parkinson's disease is useful, safe, and at least as effective as levodopa alone. To date there have been no recognizable toxic effects attributable to Ro 4-4602. This agent appears to prolong the duration of action of levodopa, smoothing out its therapeutic effects. The percentage of patients obtaining a very good and excellent response is slightly increased. There is a possible diminution in the late-occurring bradykinetic and hypotonic freezing episodes. Nausea and cardiac arrhythmias are lessened, as are the incidence and severity of hypotension. Abnormal involuntary movements remain the limiting adverse side effect.