Neuropharmacology (Drugs - Specific II) Flashcards
What are the mechanisms by which Parkinson’s disease can be treated treated?
- Increase dopamine production
- Reduce dopamine breakdown
- Activation of dopamine receptors
- Inhibition of antagonistic pathways
What drugs increase dopamine production?
L-DOPA
What is the mechanism of action of L-DOPA in treating Parkinson’s disease?
- Converted to dopamine by DOPA decarboxylase
- Promotes synthesis of dopamine
What drugs can be co-administered with L-DOPA to reduce peripheral breakdown and increase effectiveness?
- Carbidopa
- Benserazide
How can drugs prevent peripheral breakdown of L-DOPA?
- Inhibition of DOPA decarboxylase
- Drugs don’t cross BBB
Why does L-DOPA induce nausea?
Activation of dopamine D2 agonists in chemical trigger zone
What drugs can be co-administered with L-DOPA to reduce nausea?
Domperidone
What is the mechanism of action of domperidone in treating L-DOPA induced nausea?
- Selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist
- Does not cross BBB
What are the main side-effects of L-DOPA?
- Schizophrenia-like symptoms
- Dyskinesia
- Nausea
What drugs reduce dopamine breakdown?
- Selegiline/Rasagiline
- Entacapone
What is the mechanism of action of selegiline/rasagiline in treating Parkinson’s disease?
- Inhibition of MAO-B
- Reduces breakdown of dopamine
What are examples of dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Bromocriptine
- Pramipexole
- Ropinirole
- Cabergoline
What is the mechanism of action of bromocriptine in treating Parkinson’s disease?
Dopamine D2 receptor agonist
What is the mechanism of inhibiting antagonistic pathways in treating Parkinson’s disease?
- Muscarinic ACh receptors activate GABA neurones that inhibit movement via indirect pathway.
- Antagonism of mAChRs should decrease activity in indirect pathway and promote growth.
What is an example of muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist used to treat Parkinson’s disease?
Benzatropine