Chap 15 Antiparkinson Drugs Flashcards

1
Q

Parkinson’s Disease and Symptoms

A

Chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder

imbalance of two neurotransmitters
Dopamine
Acetylcholine (ACh)

Classic symptoms include:
Tremor
Rigidity
Akinesia
Postural instability
TRAP acronym
Staggering gait
Drooling
Psychosis
hallucination

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Dyskinesia

A

Difficulty in performing voluntary movements

Chorea: irregular, spasmodic, involuntary movements of the limbs or facial muscles

Dystonia: abnormal muscle tone leading to impaired or abnormal movements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Levodopa Therapy

A

Levodopa is taken up by the dopaminergic terminal, converted into dopamine, and then released as needed.

neurotransmitter imbalance is controlled in patients with early PD who still have functioning nerve terminals.

As PD progresses, it becomes more difficult to control it with levodopa.

Ultimately, levodopa no longer controls the PD, and the patient is seriously debilitated.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Rasagiline (Azilect) and Selegiline (Eldepryl)

A

Used as monotherapy or used as adjuncts with levodopa

Adverse effects
Hypertension

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Catechol Ortho-Methyltransferase (COMT) Inhibitors

A

Tolcapone (Tasmar), entacapone (Comtan)

Adverse effects:
urine discoloration;

Tolcapone associated severe liver failure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Pramipexole (Mirapex)

A

Used in both early- and late-stage PD

Also used for Restless Leg Syndrome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Anticholinergic Therapy

A

Anticholinergics have the opposite effects: dry mouth or decreased salivation,

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Nursing Implications of Parkinson Disease Drugs

A

Taking levodopa with MAOIs may result in hypertensive crisis.

should be taught not to discontinue antiparkinson drugs suddenly.

Entacapone may darken the patient’s urine and sweat.

Monitor
improved sense of well-being and mental status
Increased appetite
ability to perform ADLs, to concentrate, and to think clearly
Less intense parkinsonian manifestations, such as less tremor, shuffling gait, muscle rigidity, and involuntary movements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly