Neurology Flashcards
Medication options for Parkinson’s
- Dopamine and Dopamine Agonists
2. COMT inhibitors
Medication options for Alzheimer’s disease
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
2. NMDA antagonists
Medication options for migraine headaches
- triptans
2. ergot alkaloids
Medication options for Seizure disorder
- Topiramate/Topamax
- Valproic Acid/Depakote
- Lamtrigine/Lamictal
- Levetiracetam Keppra
Dopamine example
Levodopa (L-dopa)
Dopamine agonists
- Pramipexole / Mireapex
2. Ropinirole / Requip
Dopamine and dopamine agonist MOA
- mimic actions of dopamine as agonists as dopamine receptors (dopamine agonist)
- stimulates production of dopamine (levodopa)
dopamine agonist CI
Caution with driving or engaging in other activities that require alertness b/c potential for sudden sleep
Dopamine and dopamine agonist SE
- Nausea - all
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- hallucinations
- vivid dreams
- orthostatic hypotension
- sudden sleep onset!
COMT inhibitors indication
Adjunct in treatment with Parkinson’s in patient who experience wear-off effect
COMT inhibitor example
Entacapone / Comtan
COMT inhibitor MOA
selectively, reversibly inhibits COMT which normally breaks down levodopa –> results in higher, more sustained serum levels of levodopa
COMT inhibitor CI
- MAOIs
- caution w/ MAO-B selective inhibitors
- pheochromocytoma
What must you do for patient taking COMT inhibitor
run drug-drug interaction/safety profile when prescribing new medication
COMT inhibitor SE
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- rhabdomyolysis
- muscle cramps
- liver impairment
- dizziness
- confusion
- hypo or hypertension
Cholinesterase inhibitor indications
- Alzheimer’s (first line)
2. Myasthenia gravis
Cholinesterase inhibitor CI
- caution in pts w/ GI bleed or those who used NSAIDs
2. caution if history of asthma, COPD, liver impairment, convulsions/seizures
Cholinesterase inhibitor example
Donepezil / aricept
Cholinesterase inhibitor MOA
increase acetylcholine levels by binding to acetylcholinesterase and inhibiting its activity (reversible)
Cholinesterase inhibitor common SE
- N/V
- increased urination
- intestinal cramping, diarrhea
- increased secretions (bronchial, salivary)
NMDA antagonist example
memantine / namenda
NMDA antagonist indication
moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease as add-on therapy or solo if did not tolerate anti-cholinesterase
additional management for Alzheimer’s
- structured routines
- pet or music therapy
- exercise
When do you give MMSE
people with memory loss at every visit to monitor decline
Triptan indications
- acute migraine
triptan CIs
- ischemic or vasospastic CAD
- uncontrolled HTN
- MAOIs
- severe hepatic or renal impairment (naratriptan only)
Triptan examples
- sumatriptan / imitrex
2. rizatriptan / maxalt
When should you add on NSAID after taking triptan?
If not completely headache free in 2 hours or less
when should you take a triptan
as soon as headache starts
typical onset of triptans by route of administration
- tablets: 20-30 min
- injection: 5 min
- nasal spray: 12-25 min
Triptan MOA
agonists of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D –> causes vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels
formulations of triptans
injection, nasal spray, tablet, oral disintegrating tablet
benefit of sumatriptan
available as injection, nasal spray, and tablet - can used multiple formulations of drug so take tablet but if no relief then use injection at 2 hour mark
patient education on triptan nasal sprays
do not snort! sit down, lean forward, spray, hold nose and breathe through mouth and count to 10
triptan SE
- serotonin syndrome
2. cardiac events (coronary artery vasospasm, transient myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, MI)