Chemical Information

• Name: Benserazide Hydrochloride

• CAS Number: 14919-77-8

• Molecular Formula: C10H16ClN3O5

• Molecular Weight: 293.704 g/mol

Pharmacological Actions

Benserazide Hydrochloride is primarily used as an adjunct in the management of Parkinson's disease. Its pharmacological actions include:

1.     Inhibition of DOPA Decarboxylase:

o    Benserazide acts as a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents the conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside the central nervous system (CNS). This increases the availability of levodopa to the brain, thus enhancing its efficacy in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms.

2.     Increase in Central Levodopa Levels:

o    By inhibiting the decarboxylation of levodopa in peripheral tissues, Benserazide ensures higher concentrations of levodopa reach the CNS, where it is converted to dopamine to supplement deficient dopaminergic activity characteristic of Parkinson's disease.

3.     Adjunct to Levodopa Therapy:

o    Combined with levodopa (typically known as co-careldopa), Benserazide Hydrochloride improves the therapeutic response and reduces the side effects caused by excessive peripheral dopamine, such as nausea and cardiovascular disturbances.

4.     Prolongs the Therapeutic Effect of Levodopa:

o    Its inhibitory action on peripheral decarboxylase prolongs the half-life of levodopa, thus allowing for reduced dosage and frequency, improving patient compliance and reducing potential side effects.