NEUROMUSCULAR MEDS Flashcards
What is the MOA of Levodopa?
crosses the BBB and converts to dopamine once it reaches the brain –> restores the balance btwn Ach and dopamine
What is the indication for Levodopa?
parkinson’s disease
What is the therapeutic effect of Levodopa?
reduction in symptom severity (improvement in carrying out ADL’s) –> does not cure or delay disease
What are the nursing considerations for Levodopa?
- administered orally
- therapeutic effect can take several months
- most effective drug for PD
- effectiveness of Levodopa decreases over time (symptoms controlled in first 2 yrs of treatment –> declines)
- ALONE: small fraction of med enters the brain –> given in combo
What is the other drug that is used with Levodopa?
Carbidopa (SINEMET) –> has no therapeutic effects
How does Carbidopa work with Levodopa?
delays the process of peripheral drug metabolism –> allows for more Levodopa to enter the brain
What is the risk of taking Levodopa alone?
only a small portion reaches the CNS –> requires high doses = more adverse effects
What are the adverse effects of Levodopa/Carbidopa (SINEMET)?
- N/V (activation of dopamine in CTZ)
- dyskinesias (tics, head bobbing, grimacing, rapid involuntary jerking, writhing movements)
- postural hypotension
- psychosis (visual hallucinations, vivid dreams, paranoia)
- CNS effects (anxiety, agitation, memory loss, cognitive impairment, issues with impulse control)
- darken sweat/urine
What are the precautions/CI of Levodopa/Carbidopa (SINEMET)?
hypersensitivity
What are the nursing considerations and assessments of Levodopa/Carbidopa (SINEMET)?
assess:
- parkinsonian and extrapyramidal symptoms before and during therapy (shuffling gait, bradykinesia, drooling, pill rolling, tremors, twisting motions, masked face, rigidity)
- blood pressure frequently during therapy
nursing considerations:
- pts should avoid high protein meals –> competes for absorption in gut
- pts should not transfer to a standing position abruptly
What are the 2 phenomenon of SINEMET?
- on/off phenomenon –> long term usage, sudden drop of symptoms (reversal symptoms recurrence), no connection to timing of doses
- wearing of phenomenon –> gradual wearing off, drugs need to be given frequently, may other drugs to prolong effect
What is the classification of Pramipexole (Mirapex)?
non-ergot dopamine receptor agonist
What is the MOA of Pramipexole (Mirapex)?
stimulates dopamine receptors in the striatum
What is the indication for Pramipexole (Mirapex)?
PD
What is the therapeutic effect of Pramipexole (Mirapex)?
improve ability to carry out ADL’s –> improvement in motor symptoms
NOTE: does not cure/delay PD
What are the adverse effects of Pramipexole (Mirapex)?
- nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, hallucinations
- sleep attacks (come on without warning)
- impulse control disorders (compulsive gambling, shopping, binge eating, hypersexuality)
What happens when Pramipexole (Mirapex) is taken with Levodopa?
increase risk of developing orthostatic hypotension, hallucinations and dyskinesias
What are the nursing considerations and assessments of Pramipexole (Mirapex)?
assess:
- monitor BP regularly
nursing considerations:
- warnings about potential to develop drowsiness (avoid sedating meds/alcohol while on pramipexole)
- avoid driving or engaging in dangerous activities (when starting the med)
- medication should be discontinued if pt experiences sleep attacks !!!
- used on its own in early PD
- used in combo with other PD drugs in advanced progression
- effects take several weeks to develop
- given orally
- alone –> no dyskinesia
What is the classification for Selegiline (Deprenyl)?
MAO-B inhibitor
What is a MAO-B?
an enzyme that inactivates dopamine in the striatum
What is the MOA of Selegiline (Deprenyl)?
selective inhibitor of MAO-B –> when used with Levodopa = suppresses the destruction of dopamine derived from Levodopa, reducing wearing off effect
What is the indication for Selegiline (Deprenyl)?
PD, depression