Benserazide Hydrochloride is a pharmaceutical active ingredient belonging to the class of aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase inhibitors. It is primarily used in combination with levodopa in the treatment of Parkinsonism.
Benserazide acts predominantly in peripheral tissues, where it inhibits the conversion of levodopa to dopamine. This increases the amount of levodopa available to reach the central nervous system and allows levodopa to be used more effectively.
The BP/Ph. Eur. monograph specifies Benserazide Hydrochloride as (2RS)-2-amino-3-hydroxy-N′-[(2,3,4-trihydroxyphenyl)methyl]propanehydrazide hydrochloride.
Benserazide Hydrochloride is used as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations for:
The BP specifically lists Co-beneldopa Capsules, Co-beneldopa Dispersible Tablets and Co-beneldopa Prolonged-release Capsules among preparations containing Benserazide Hydrochloride.
Benserazide inhibits aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase (DOPA decarboxylase) outside the brain. This decreases peripheral conversion of levodopa into dopamine and increases the proportion of levodopa that can reach the brain.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | Conforms — IR identification and chloride reaction |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.5% – 101.0% on anhydrous substance |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 4.0 – 5.0 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.5% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |