Neurodegenerative and Movement Disorders Flashcards
what are the 2 main purposes of pharmacotherapy of Parkinsons
increase dopaminergic activity
decrease cholinergic activity
dopamine doesn’t cross the BBB, however its precursor __ does
L-dopa
how is dopamine able to cross the BBB
the prodrug L-dopa crosses the BBB and is converted to dopamine by dopa decarboxylase
what is the effect of dopamine binding to D2 and D3 receptors in the CNS
opens K+channels
most of L-dopa is metabolized in the intestines by MAO and decarboxylation, however some is metabolized in the periphery (blood) by __ and __
COMT
decarboxylation
L-dopa is administered with __ which functions as a __
Carbidopa
peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor
what is the function of Carbidopa
inhibition of peripheral decarboxylase and its metabolism of L-dopa in GIT and blood, therefore increasing CNS bioavailability in the CNS
common side effects of L-dopa include …
nausea/vomiting
orthostatic hypotension
cardiac arrhythmia
what is the main adverse effect of L-dopa
dyskinesias
dyskinesias caused by L-dopa can be decreased by adding what drug
amantadine
wearing off reactions of L-dopa are related to
gradually, the duration of L-dopa effect is decreased
*related to timing
on-off phenomenon with L-dopa
sometimes patients response to L-dopa, sometimes they don’t
*fluctuation in clinical response
what is one of the main drug interactions of L-dopa
vitamin B6
how does vitamin B6 interact with L-dopa
increases dopa decarboxylase
what is the drug of choice for Parkinsons
L-dopa
if L-dopa is ineffective, what drug is used as a backup
dopamine receptor agonist