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Absorption of levodopa after rectal administration

From the Experimental Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

Absorption of levodopa was studied after administration by mouth and rectum. Given by mouth, levodopa benefited all 12 patients studied, and levodopa blood levels rose significnatly (p <0.01). When it was given rectally, there was no rise in levodopa concentration in the blood and no clinical benefit. Rectally administrated levodopa is therefore of no value in the management of postoperative parkinsonian patients who cannot take oral medication.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Calne, Experimental Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20205.

Accepted for publication April 21, 1980.

This article has been cited by other articles:

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