Chapter 21: Neuromuscular Medications Flashcards
what are neurodegenerative diseases?
progressive, irreversible loss of neuron function in the brain and/or spinal cord
what is a common problem with many neuromuscular diseases?
depression
what is parkinsons disease?
progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal motor movement
what are initial signs of parkinsons?
fatigue, slight tremour, slow movement (bradykinesia)
what is the mean age for parkinsons and who does it affect more?
40-70, men
what are the cardinal signs of parkinsons?
-tremor: hands and head develop a palsy-like, continuous motion or shaking at rest, and pill rolling (thumb and forearm rub together in circular motions)
-muscle rigidity: resistance to passive movement of arms and legs, can resemble arthritis, rigidity of facial muscles, and uncontrollable drolling
-bradykinesia: slowed down movement and speech, difficulty chewing/swallowin/speaking, shuffled gait
-postural instability: stooped over, hard to maintain balance, and frequent stumbling
what is Parkinsons caused by?
Decrease in dopamine which is produced by substantial nigra. Also causing Ach to have a more dramatic effect (neurotransmitter for PNS)
what is the goal and how long does it take to see results from parkinson meds?
to balance dopamine and ach, 2-3 weeks
what is wearing off effect, on/off syndrome, and extrapyramdial symptoms?
-wearing- off: when a pt takes a med for a prolonged period, the drugs effectiveness wears off closing to the end of the dosing interval
-on/off: pt alternates between symptom-free peroids and times when the drug stop working briefly
-extrapyramidal: adverse effects that develop from a deficiency of dopamine, not causes by parkinson, usually by antipsychotic meds
what 2 types of drugs are used for Parkinsons?
dopamine agonists and anticholinergic drugs
what is the most effective dopamine replacement drug?
levodopa
what does levodopa do?
It enters the blood-brain barrier (because dopamine is a polar molecule, and the BBB blocks polar molecules), and enzymes in the brain convert levodopa into dopamine
what is levodopa taken with?
Carbidopa
-together they’re called Sinemet
-carbidopa inhibits the metabolism of levodopa, causing a greater portion of levodopa to cross the BBB
-carbidopa allows for more of levodopa to be increased
-it also allows for a lower dosage of levodopa perscribed for the pt
what is the prototype drug for dopamine replacement?
levodopa and carbidopa
what are the adverse effects of levodopa?
GI: n/v, flatulence, abdominal distress, dysphagia, anorexia
CNs: anxiety, confusion, agitation, headache, nightmares, insomnia,
MSKL: hand tremors, involuntary movements, twitching, numbness, choreiform
Anti-cholinergic: urinary retention, dry mouth
what are the serious ADR for levodopa?
leukopenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia
what are contraindications for levodopa?
-hypersensitivity
-acute psychosis
-severe psychoneuroses
-narrow angle glaucoma
-use of MAOIs within 2 weeks
what are nursing considerations for levodopa?
-take on an empty stomach
-do not take with multi-vit
-have a low protein diet
-monitor VS (rr, hr, and bp)
-no alcohol
-monitor liver and kidney
-monitor for safety with ambulation due to dizziness
-watch for mood or behaviour changes
when can dopamine agonists be used?
as a monotherapy during early stages or as adjuncts to levodopa in advanced stages
what do dopamine agonist do?
activate dopamine receptors without increase dopamine
are dopamine agonist more or less effective than levodopa?
less effective, but have less adverse side effects like no toxic metabolites, no need for low protein diet, lower risk for dyskinesia (involuntary uncontrollable muscle movements) and lower incidence of wearing off effect
what are the two classifications of dopamine agonist?
ergot and non-ergot alkaloids
what is the prototype drug for non-ergot alkoids?
pramipexole (mirapex)
what are adverse and serious effects of pramipexole?
adverse: hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesia, nausea, agitation
serious: sleep attacks, and the 3 from levodopa
what are considerations for pramipexole?
-assess for baseline vitals and symptoms of Parkinsons
-assess mental status
-monitor for orthostatic hypotension
-monitor for tardive dyskinesia (invol repetitive movements)
-alert pt and family about sleep attacks
-ensure family knows PD treatment does not cure but may help with symtoms for a period of time