L-dopa

Medical abbreviation · Drug

L-dopa stands for Levodopa, a drug abbreviation.

Precursor of dopamine that crosses into the brain and remains the most effective drug for Parkinson disease symptoms. It is combined with carbidopa (Sinemet, Rytary) so less is broken down before reaching the brain.

Example: Carbidopa/L-dopa 25/100 mg TID, 30 minutes before meals.

Usage notes

Levodopa therapy was pioneered in the late 1960s by George Cotzias. Over years, many patients develop "wearing off" and dyskinesias, managed with dose adjustments and add-on drugs. High-protein meals compete with levodopa for absorption. Stopping it suddenly can cause a syndrome resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Related abbreviations

More drug abbreviations

• ISDN – Isosorbide dinitrate
• ISMN – Isosorbide mononitrate
• IVIG – Intravenous immunoglobulin
• IVMP – Intravenous methylprednisolone
• KCl – Potassium chloride
• KI – Potassium iodide
• LEN – Lenacapavir
• LET – Lidocaine, epinephrine and tetracaine
• LEV – Levetiracetam
• levo – Levophed (norepinephrine)
• LNG – Levonorgestrel
• LPV/r – Lopinavir/ritonavir

See all 170 drug abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.