Parkinson's Disease Flashcards
Classic primary symptoms of PD
Tremor
Rigidity
Bradykinesias
Cause of Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Changes in the substantia nigra and striatum occur and decreased levels dopamine are a result.
MOA PD
Dopamine disappears in presynaptic terminal and post synaptic cleft.
PD Drug therapy aims to
Increase amount of dopamine in the CNS
Decrease acetylcholine levels or block acetylcholine
When dopamine decreases acetylcholine…
… increases
How do you decide pharmacological therapy for PD?
Note nothing provides neuroprotection.
Choose either Levodopa or dopamine agonist.
Levodopa predominates in the market and is the “old” one in the crowd.
Levodopa is never prescribed…
… by itself.
What are the keys to managing PD therapy
Individualized - Provider’s judgement.
No therapy is disease-modifying. It will continue to progress as it is a progressive disease.
When to initiate:
- A diagnosis or symptom manifestation? - When you have a definitive diagnosis. - Levodopa- start early or delay? -
Why wouldn’t you start Levodopa too early?
Levodopa must turn into Dopamine (A to B) and throws off extra electrons causing damage to surrounding tissues. If you start therapy early and buy the theory of free radical formation it could quite possible make PD worse.
Dopamine Precurser Class Drug
L-Dopa
MOA of Levodopa
Levodopa passes the blood brain barrier (Dopamine cannot!) into the CNS and brain where it needs to work.
What percentage of Levodopa ends up in the brain?
1-3%
Where does metabolism of levodopa occur?
Outside CNS
How can you improve Levodopa penetration into the brain?
Make the dose smaller - 10% can enter the brain and less metabolism occurs in the GI tract or peripheral tissues (toxicity).
How is the extended release tablet of Levodopa absorbed?
Extended release is less completely absorbed.
Start with immediate release then review options for combined therapy.
What is notable about discontinue Levodopa (dopamine precurser)?
Abrupt withdrawal may result in neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Immediate release Levodopa may cause…
… waxing and waning.
Motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, abnormal cramps/postures (dystonia)
Good days vs bad days which is due to progressive degeneration of dopamine terminals.
To decrease waxing and waning…
… you can add immediate release Levodopa to the extended release Levodopa.
Adverse Drug Reactions of Levodopa
Nausea
Somnolence, dizziness, headache.
Older patients on levodopa may experience…
… confusion, hallucinations, delusions, agitation, psychosis.
Does Levodopa cause neurotoxicity?
Possibly
Dopamine Precursor class drug
Levodopa/carbidopa
Levodopa/carbidopa
Levodopa/carbidopa
X/X dose (variable)
every 8 hours
Dopamine Agonists
Pramipexole (Mirapex)
Ropinirole (Requip)
Rotigotine (Neupro)
On the prescription for levodopa/carbedopa the smaller number is for …
carbedopa