Levodopa Flashcards
1
Q
Levodopa/co-careldopa - action
A
In PD, you lose some of a certain chemical in your brain. Levodopa helps to replace it, which can improve your symptoms.
Carbidoba helps make sure all of the levodopa gets to your brain.
2
Q
Levodopa - timing + how to take
A
3-4x daily with food (reduces nausea)
Tablet
3
Q
Levodopa - length of treatment
A
As long as it is effective for - after 5 years most get end dose deterioration (so works for shorter) + sudden on-off phenomena (repetitive invol movements <> severe parkinsonism)
4
Q
Levodopa - time till effects
A
Fast acting
5
Q
Levodopa - SEs
A
N+V Impulsive behaviours Hallucinations Postural hypotension Only works for 5 years Over time - on/off phenomena, dyskinesias
other drugs can help with SEs
6
Q
contraindications + supplementary info - levodopa
A
parkinsons.org.uk
glaucoma
