Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Carbidopa, IUPAC name 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(1-piperidinyl)propanoic acid (C14H17NO4, molecular weight 263.29 g/mol), is an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor. Structurally, it features a dihydroxyphenyl ring, a piperidine moiety, and a carboxylic acid group. Therapeutically, it is co-administered with levodopa to treat Parkinson’s disease by inhibiting peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine, enhancing central nervous system bioavailability. It is a white to off-white crystalline solid, sparingly soluble in water. Mechanistically, it selectively inhibits peripheral aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, reducing peripheral dopamine formation and increasing levodopa plasma levels.