BIOAVAILABILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A DISPERSIBLE FORMULATION OF LEVODOPA‐BENSERAZIDE IN PARKINSONIAN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DYSPHAGIA

The bioavailability of levodopa–benserazide in a standard capsule and a new dispersible tablet was compared in Parkinsonian patients, with (n= 8) and without (n= 8) swallowing difficulties. There was considerable variation within and between subjects, but no significant differences between formulations for any pharmacokinetic parameters, other than an earlier time–peak concentration following the dispersible tablets (P<0·01) in non‐dysphagic patients. The acceptability of the dispersible tablets in the dysphagic patients was also determined following 7 days regular use. It was felt there were advantages in four of the patients because it was easier to administer or to swallow. The dispersible formulation may offer practical benefits to a minority of Parkinsonian patients without any anticipated loss of therapeutic efficacy.