Medicines knowledge & counselling, 4 Flashcards
1
Q
Levodopa +/- carbidopa benserazide
- drug class
A
- precursor of dopamine
- dopa decarboxylase inhibitor
2
Q
Levodopa +/- carbidopa benserazide
- indication
- MOA
A
- symptoms of parkinsons disease
- the three main symptoms are shaking (tremor), muscle stiffness, and slow and unsteady movement. People with Parkinson’s disease often walk with a shuffle as they have difficulty in initiating movement
- the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused by a lack of dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical produced by certain brain cells. Dopamine relays messages in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement
- When too little dopamine is produced, slowness of movement results.
- APO-Levodopa/Carbidopa contains two active ingredients, levodopa and carbidopa
- Levodopa is a chemical closely related to dopamine which allows the body to make its own dopamine. Carbidopa makes sure that enough levodopa gets to the brain where it is needed
- medicine is most helpful in improving slow movement and muscle stiffness. It is also frequently helpful in treating shaking, difficulty in swallowing and drooling
3
Q
Levodopa +/- carbidopa/ benserazide
- dose
- directions
A
- levodopa + carbidopa/ benserazide 50+12.5mg TDS, increasing up to 100+25mg TDS over 1 to 2 weeks
- your doctor will then adjust this dose depending on the severity of your condition, your response to treatment and whether you are taking other medicines
- Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water
- take your medicine at about the same time each day, taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect & will also help you remember when to take it
4
Q
Levodopa +/- carbidopa/ benserazide
- key counselling points
- adverse effects
A
- you may feel light-headed or dizzy while taking this medicine. If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint, get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up
- standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, tell your doctor
- common side effects include N/V, abdominal pain, constipation orthostatic hypotension, headache, dizziness
- Be careful not to eat a diet high in protein. The amount of levodopa absorbed by the body may be impaired if you eat a diet high in protein. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or dietician to check your diet.
5
Q
Levodopa +/- carbidopa/ benserazide
- adverse effects
- referral
A
- all medicines can cause adverse effects but not everyone will experience them
- most common SE are orthostatic hypotension, abdominal pain, hallucinations & confusion
- usually mild and short lived
- as levodopa works in the brain you may experience psychiatric side effects such as hallucinations and confusion, these occur rarely
- if you experience any serious effects such as abnormal uncontrolled movements including muscle twitching or spasms, which may or may not resemble your Parkinson’s symptoms or dream abnormalities, please contact Dr
6
Q
Levodopa +/- carbidopa/ benserazide
- monitoring
A
- monitor PD sxs, gait, tremor, unsteady movement
- adverse effects, N/V, dyskinesia, decreased appetite, insomnia, agitation
7
Q
Levodopa
- lifestyle/self care
A
- reduce protein intake
- suggest walking aids
- recommend gait & balance training, exercise programs and physiotherapy- tai chi TO INCREASE STRENGTH & MOBILITY
8
Q
Pramipexole
- drug class
A
- dopamine agonist
9
Q
Pramipexole
- indication
- MOA
A
- parkinsons disease
- restless leg syndrome
- belongs to a group of drugs called dopamine agonists & is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- the drug binds to cells in the brain and it relays messages in the part of the brain that help control movement
10
Q
Pramipexole
- dose
- directions
A
- conventional tabs
- initially 125mcg TDS for a week then 250mcg TDS for a week then 500mcg TDS
- if necessary increase dose each week by 250mcg TDS up to max of 1.5mg TDS
- ER, CR tabs
- initially 375mcg OD for a week then 750MCG OD then 1.5mg OD
- if necessary increase dose each week by 750mcgup to a max of 4.5mg OD
- swallow whole with some water, with or without food doesn’t matter
- take it at about the same time each day, taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect & t will also help you remember when to take it
11
Q
Pramipexole
- key counselling points
- adverse effects
A
- swallow whole, with or without food doesn’t food but can take tablets with food to lessen the chance of nausea or stomach upset
- take at same time each day
- this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness; if affected, do not drive or operate machinery
- be careful when you stand up as this medicine might make you feel dizzy if you stand up too quickly
- common adv: forgetfullness, visual disturbances, worsening of restless leg syndrome
12
Q
Pramipexole
- adverse effects
- referral
A
- all medicines can cause side effects but not everyone will experience them
- the most common side effects are forgetfullness (memory loss) & visual disturbances
- if you experience any serious side effects such as memory loss, change in your behaviour, eg overspending, gambling, hypersexuality or binge eating please contact Dr immediately
13
Q
Pramipexole
- monitoring
A
- monitor patient closely when discontinuing a dopamine agonist, a withdrawal syndrome may occur
- impulse control disorders
- gambling, hypersexuality, overspending, binge eating
- psychiatric adverse effects
- hallucinations and confusion
- kidney function
14
Q
Pramipexole
- self care & monitoring
A
- suggest walking aids
- recommend gait & balance training, exercise programs and physiotherapy- tai chi TO INCREASE STRENGTH & MOBILITY
15
Q
Diazepam
- drug class
A
- benzodiazepine