Parkinson's Flashcards
Levodopa - Brand Names
L-Dopa, L Doram C, Neurastoz
Levodopa - Dosages
Often combined with carbidopa or benserazide. Available in various dosages including 25/100, 25/250, and sustained release formulation.
Levodopa - Indications
Primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Addresses rigidity, akinesia, flat face, and gait issues.
Levodopa - Dosing
Starts with low doses and gradually increases. Often taken multiple times per day, typically with a meal or snack.
Levodopa - Adverse Effects
Nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, dyskinesia, motor fluctuations, psychosis, hallucinations, and urine discoloration.
Levodopa - Tips
Administer with meals to decrease GI upset. Avoid high-protein foods and antacids close to dosing time.
Carbidopa - Brand Names
Often combined with levodopa.
Carbidopa - Dosages
Available in combinations such as 25mg/100mg or 25mg/250mg with levodopa.
Carbidopa - Indications
Inhibits peripheral decarboxylase to reduce levodopa’s peripheral side effects and increase its brain availability.
Carbidopa - Dosing
Given in combination with levodopa.
Carbidopa - Adverse Effects
Minimal side effects unless used at high doses, such as inhibition of cerebral decarboxylase.
Carbidopa - Tips
Typically given with levodopa. More potent than benserazide.
Benserazide - Brand Names
Often combined with levodopa as Madopar.
Benserazide - Dosages
25 & 50
Benserazide - Indications
Inhibits peripheral decarboxylase to reduce levodopa’s peripheral side effects.
Benserazide - Dosing
Given in combination with levodopa.
Benserazide - Adverse Effects
Generally minimal side effects.
Benserazide - Tips
Typically given with levodopa. Less potent than carbidopa.
Selegiline - Brand Names
Deprenyl, Eldepryl.
Selegiline - Dosages
5 mg tablets.
Selegiline - Indications
MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson’s disease. Reduces levodopa breakdown and has neuroprotective effects.
Selegiline - Dosing
5-10 mg daily, best taken in the morning or midday to avoid insomnia.
Selegiline - Adverse Effects
Insomnia.
Selegiline - Tips
Mild effect when used alone but enhances levodopa effects.
Entacapone - Brand Names
Comtan. Available in combination with levodopa and carbidopa as Stalevo.
Entacapone - Dosages
200 mg.
Entacapone - Indications
COMT inhibitor, used to reduce the metabolism of levodopa in the periphery.