Antiparkinsons Drugs

Question 1

MAO Inhibitors

Answer 1

MOA - breaks down catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine)

Therapeutic- used in conjunction with levodopa in early stages, helpful with symptom fluctuation

Adverse Effects- dizziness, insomnia, hallucinations, agitation, nausea, diarrhea,

Drug - selegiline, rasagiline

Question 2

Dopamine Modulator

Answer 2

MOA - releases dopamine

Therapeutic- moderate or advanced stages, reduces tremor or muscle rigidity

Adverse Effects- dizziness, insomnia, nausea

Drug- amantadine

Question 3

COMT Inhibitors

Answer 3

MOA - blocks COMT (breka down catecholamines), acts peripherally and prolongs levodopa

Therapeutic- treat symptoms fluctuations of PD, used with levodopa

Adverse effects- upset GI, urine discolouration

Drug - entacapone

Question 4

Dopamine Replacement Drug

Answer 4

MOA - stimulate presumptive dopamine receptors to increase levels of dopamine

Therapeutic- directly restore dopamine activity in PD

Adverse Effects- cardiac dysrhythmia, hypotension, chorea, muscle cramps, GI distress

Drug - levodopa

Question 5

Anticholinergic

Answer 5

Block AcH, useful in treating muscle tremors and and rigidity in PD

Adverse Effects- hyperthermia, tachycardia, confusion, disorientation, toxic psychosis, urinary retention, dry throat, constipation, nausea, vomiting

Drug -benztroprine