Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitors

Methyldopa, also known as α-methyl-L-DOPA and sold under the brand name Aldomet among others, is a medication used for high blood pressure. It is one of the preferred treatments for high blood pressure in pregnancy. For other types of high blood pressure including very high blood pressure resulting in symptoms other medications are typically preferred. It can be given by mouth or injection into a vein. Onset of effects is around 5 hours and they last about a day.

Carbidopa, sold under the brand name Lodosyn, is a medication used primarily in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor — that is, it blocks the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (DDC) in the peripheral nervous system, preventing the premature conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside the brain. Because carbidopa cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, it has no effect on DDC activity within the central nervous system, allowing a greater proportion of co-administered levodopa to reach the brain intact.

Benserazide is a peripherally acting aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase or DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, which is unable to cross the blood–brain barrier.

type of medication

α-Difluoromethyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DFMD, DFM-DOPA) is a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor.