L-dopa –>
levodopa
(Science: chemical) The naturally occurring form of dopa and the immediate precursor of dopamine. Unlike dopamine itself, it can be taken orally and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is rapidly taken up by dopaminergic neurons and converted to dopamine. It is used for the treatment of parkinsonism and is usually given with agents that inhibit its conversion to dopamine outside of the Nervous system.
Pharmacological action: antiparkinson agents, dopamine agents.
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