Dopaminergic agents

Question 1

What does dopaminergic do

Answer 1

increase dopamine levels to treat Parkinson’s disease and ADHD / attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Question 2

progressive degeneration of pigmented neurones in the substantia nigra leading to deficient dopamine and increased acetylcholine

Answer 2

Parkinson’s disease

Question 3

How to manage Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 3

Levodopa (dopamine precursor)

Dopamine receptor agonists (Amantadine, Bromocriptine)

Question 4

Pharmacodynamics of Levodopa
Pharmacodynamics of Carbidopa

Answer 4

In the brain:
Dopamine can’t cross blood brain barrier
Levodopa can cross blood brain barrier and enzyme Dopa decarboxylase converts Levodopa into dopamine (increasing its levels)

In the body:
Carbidopa (can’t cross blood brain barrier) inhibits the enzyme Dopa decarboxylase to prevent conversion of Levodopa into dopamine which causes N&V