New formulation of levodopa/carbidopa approved

August 8, 2024, Silver Spring, MD

Crexont, a new formulation of levodopa/carbidopa, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Mechanism

Crexont developed by Amneal Pharmaceuticals includes immediate and extended levodopa/carbidopa in one pill. Its extended oral formulation will alleviate motor symptoms longer and for fewer doses. The data from clinical trials has revealed that the extended dose of Crexont will last 1.5 hours longer than an immediate dose of levodopa/carbidopa.

Side effects

It is noteworthy that there are several side effects such as dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and Dyskinesia with this formulation. Besides, because Crexont can compete with protein for absorption, it is recommended that Crexont should be taken 30 minutes before or 60 minutes after each meal.

Levodopa/Carbidopa is a medication to be used to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa can travel across the blood-brain barrier to the brain, which can be enhanced by Carbidopa. After traveling to the brain, Levodopa can be converted inside the brain to dopamine, therefore resupplying dopamine level.