Lecture 5 - Formulation & Delivery of CNS Treatments: Neurodevelopmental & Neurological Disorders Flashcards
Which factors should influence the choice of dosage form and route of administration?
- The age of the patient (children and the elderly)
- The type of CNS condition (i.e. psychiatric or neurological?)
- The severity of the condition
What is the difference between a psychiatric disorder and a neurological disorder?
- Psychiatric = disorder of the mind
- Neurological = disorder of the brain
Psychiatric disorders are primarily … in origin.
“functional”
Neurological disorders are primarily … in origin.
“organic”
Give three examples of psychiatric disorders.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
Give four examples of neurological disorders.
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Brain tumour
- Migraine
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
A lack of dopaminergic signalling between the Substantia nigra and Striatum/Caudate
What two properties does a drug need to have to cross the BBB by diffusion?
- Must be lipid-soluble
- Must have a MW < 400 Da
Can dopamine cross the BBB by diffusion? Why?
Although it has a MW of 153 g/mol, it is hydrophilic (not lipid-soluble).
What is L-Dopa?
Levodopa is a dopamine precursor.
Can L-dopa cross the BBB? How?
It has a MW of 197 g/mol, and is hydrophilic. It crosses the BBB by carrier-mediated transport (via the large neutral amino acid transporter).
Why does levodopa need to be co-administered with an enzyme inhibitor (as co-beneldopa or co-careldopa)?
- Levodopa is quickly metabolised to dopamine by enzymes in the bloodstream (which is then further converted to other metabolites). These metabolites cannot cross the BBB rendering the drug useless.
- The enzyme inhibitor prevents levodopa metabolism, allowing the drug to be delivered to the brain.
Can levodopa be used for Parkinson’s disease?
Yes
Why might early-stage Parkinson’s be treated with different formulations than late-stage Parkinson’s?
Early-stage PD patients can be given medicines via oral administration, whereas late-stage patients may require transdermal or subcutaneous administration, or even a nasogastric tube, as they may be “nil by mouth” (due to dyskinesia).
What is the aim of Parkinson’s medications?
To improve quality of life (not prevent disease progression)
What is dyskinesia?
Dyskinesias are involuntary, erratic, writhing movements of the face, arms, legs or trunk.
What usually causes dyskinesia as Parkinson’s progresses?
Dyskinesia is a side-effect of long-term levodopa use (levodopa is usually used in the management of Parkinson’s).
What is the aim of drug therapy in epilepsy?
To prevent seizures or to keep seizures to a minimum compatible with acceptable adverse effects.
What are the three main targets of anti-epileptic drugs?
- Inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels.
- Inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels.
- Promotion of inhibitory neurotransmission (i.e. GABA).
How do most anti-epileptic drugs cross the BBB?
By diffusion (via the transcellular lipophilic pathway)
What is the first-line treatment for generalised seizures and how does it cross the BBB?
Sodium valproate crosses the BBB by diffusion and carrier-mediated transport (via the monocarboxylate transporter)
What is the first-line treatment for focal seizures and how does it cross the BBB?
Lamotrigine crosses the BBB by carrier-mediated transport (via organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1))