Neurological (Dopamine Precursor)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Dopamine Precursor)

Answer 1

• Levodopa

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Dopamine Precursor)

Answer 2

• Pro-drug
• Crosses the blood brain barrier and is converted to dopamine
• Striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission increased

Question 3

Indications (Dopamine Precursor)

Answer 3

• Parkinson’s Disease

Question 4

Side effects (Dopamine Precursor)

Answer 4

• Dyskinesia
• Compulsive disorders
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• GI upset

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Dopamine Precursor)

Answer 5

• Converted to dopamine in peripheries (which can cause the motor side effects)
• Given with a dopamine decarboxylase inhibitor or COMT inhibitor to reduce these effects
• Short half life – 50 to 90 mins
• Rapidly absorbed from the proximal small intestine via the large neutral amino acid (LNAA) transport carrier system

Question 6

Patient information (Dopamine Precursor)

Answer 6

• Dyskinesia common
• Reduced efficacy over time
• Avoid abrupt withdrawal