L52 – Drugs Used for Neurodegenerative Diseases Flashcards
Classify neurodegenerative diseases into 2 groups?
- Movement impairment i.e. Parkinsons
- Memory impairment i.e. Alzheimers
Prevalence of Parkinsons? Which age group affected most?
most common movement disorder affecting 1-2% of general population > age 65
Prevalence increases at age 60, plateaus off at age 70
Four main characteristics of Parkinson’s?
Resting tremors in limbs: aymmetric
Muscle rigidity: Muscle tone increases in both flexor and extensor muscles
Bradykinesia
Abnormal posture and gait
First symptom of Parkinson’s?
Usually asymmetric Resting tremors in limbs (hands, legs, extremities)
Most evident in one hand with the arm at rest
Describe symptoms under bradykinesia?
Difficulty with daily activities, e.g. writing, shaving, using knife and fork, opening buttons
Decreased blinking
Slowed chewing and swallowing
Describe the abnormal posture and gait seen in parkinsons?
forward tilt of trunk, reduced arm swinging, shuffling gait with short steps
Describe the neurogeneration in idiopathic Parkinson’s
Nigrostriatal dopamine pathway in brain:
- from substantia nigra to basal ganglia
- Input from motor cortex
- Stimulated by dopamine, inhibited by Ach
In PD: degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in basal ganglia
- Imbalance of dopamine and Ach cause more output to spinal cord = increased muscle tension and tremor
- Less dampening effect on reticular formation
List 5 causes of Parkinsonism.
- idiopathic parkinsonism (Parkinson’s disease)
- Drug-induced parkinsonism (antipsychotics)
- Toxin damaging dopaminergic neurons
- Viral infection – encephalitis
- Trauma-repeated head injury
List 2 drugs that can cause Parkinsonism?
i. Haloperidol (antipsychotics, dopaminergic blocker)
ii. Reserpine (hypertensive med, depletes dopamine store)
Principal of all drugs for treating Parkinsons?
re-establish the balance between dopamine and acetylcholine in brain:
- Increase dopamine activity in nigrostriatal system
- Reduce muscarinic cholinergic activity in striatum
MoA of Levodopa.
Metabolic precursor of dopamine
Transported into CNS and converted by DOPA decarboxylase
Pharmacokinetics of L-dopa?
Well absorbed in GI
High therapeutic index, Large dose required
Extremely short half-life»_space; On/off symptoms
D/D interaction with L-dopa?
Nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine)
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
Antipsychotics
Describe the D/D reaction between non-selective MAOI and L-Dopa?
(MAO) inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine): block both MAOA, MAOB
> > excess dopamine in periphery
> > modified into epinephrine, norepinephrine
> > hypertensive crisis (life-threatening)
Describe the D/D interaction between L-dopa and Pyridoxine (Vit B6) and Antipsychotics?
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): = cofactor for DOPA decarboxylase»_space; increase peripheral breakdown of L-dopa
Antipsychotics: block dopamine receptors»_space; parkinsonian-like symptoms
ADR of L- dopa?
- Excess dopamine in perhiphery: Nausea Vomiting Arrhythmias Postural (orthostatic) hypotension (common)
Due to overstimulation of central dopamine receptors:
Dyskinesia (recall L53: withdrawal problems)
Hallucinations
Restlessness
Confusion
Name 2 DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors and preparations?
Carbidopa : Sinemet® (L-dopa + carbidopa in 4:1 ratio) = can reduce dose of L-dopa
Benserazide = Madopar® (L-dopa + benserazide in 4:1 ratio) = treat Parkinson’s disease
MoA of DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors?
Inhibit DOPA decarboxylase in the periphery
> > decrease metabolism of L-dopa into dopamine in periphery (into dopamine)
more L-dopa can cross BBB
increase availability of dopamine to CNS / brain
List 4 dopamine receptor agonists? Which are ergot derivatives?
Ergot derivative:
- Bromocriptine
- Pergolide
Non-ergot synthetics:
- Pramipexole, ropinirole
- Rotigotine
Which dopamine receptors are acted on by the dopamine receptor agonists?
Ergot derivative:
- Bromocriptine > D2
- Pergolide > D1 + D2
Non-ergot synthetics:
- Pramipexole, ropinirole > D2
- Rotigotine > D2
Indication and preparation of Bromocriptine?
Useful in younger patients (to delay use of L-dopa = delay psychosis ADR)
Elderly: in conjunction with L-dopa / carbidopa:
Relieve tremor, rigidity
Minimal effects on bradykinesia
ADR of Bromocriptine?
1) Peripheral:
Nausea Vomiting Cardiac arrhythmia, postural hypotension
2) CNS: Hallucination, Delirium (sudden confusion)
3) Erythromelalgia**: Red, painful, swollen feet / hands
ADR Resolves when drug is stopped
Preparation of Pergolide?
In combination with:
L-dopa / carbidopa
Anticholinergic drugs