From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
No, cobeneldopa should not be given intravenously. Cobeneldopa is only approved for oral administration, typically as tablets or capsules. Intravenous administration of cobeneldopa could be dangerous and potentially fatal due to the risk of severe cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias and hypotension. The medication is designed to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, where benserazide helps prevent the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine before it reaches the brain. This allows more levodopa to cross the blood-brain barrier where it can be converted to dopamine to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms.
For patients unable to take oral medications, alternative formulations or different medications should be considered after consultation with a healthcare provider. Some patients may be candidates for other delivery methods such as duodopa intestinal gel, which is administered via a pump through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. According to a study published in 2015 1, duodopa intestinal gel has been shown to improve motor fluctuations and quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.
It's also worth noting that the most recent study on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of levodopa/carbidopa cotherapies for Parkinson's disease, published in 2020 2, highlights the importance of continuous dopamine substitution and the potential benefits of inhibiting both catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase-B to reduce fluctuations of motor behavior and oxidative stress. However, this study does not support the use of intravenous cobeneldopa.
In summary, the current evidence does not support the use of intravenous cobeneldopa, and alternative formulations or delivery methods should be considered for patients with Parkinson's disease who are unable to take oral medications. Key points to consider include:
- Cobeneldopa is only approved for oral administration
- Intravenous administration of cobeneldopa can be dangerous and potentially fatal
- Alternative formulations or delivery methods, such as duodopa intestinal gel, may be considered for patients unable to take oral medications
- Continuous dopamine substitution and inhibition of both catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase-B may be beneficial in reducing fluctuations of motor behavior and oxidative stress.