Parkinson's Disease Flashcards
Is Parkinson’s more common in males or females?
males
What are the primary patho features of Parkinson’s?
loss of dopaminergic cells in substantial nigra & basal ganglia
formation of Lewy bodies
What are the non-pharm options for Parkinson’s?
surgery
physical therapy & exercise
nutrition (fluids & fiber to prevent constipation)
occupational therapy & fall prevention
What 4 mechanisms are used to treat Parkinson’s?
- decrease cholinergic activity
- increase endogenous dopamine
- activate dopamine receptors w/ synthetic agonists
- block adenosine A2A receptor
Which anticholinergics are used in Parkinson’s
- benzotropine (Cogentin)
- trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
What is the issue with using levodopa alone?
very little can cross BBB without a decarboxylase inhibitor
What is the purpose of carbidopa in Parkinson’s
decarboxylase inhibitor, combo w/ levodopa -> to get levodopa to the CNS and decreases peripheral ADR
USELESS AS MONOTHERAPY
What are the CI of levodopa?
breastfeeding
closed angle glaucoma
What are the CI of carbidopa?
pregnancy
lactation
What is the minimum carbidopa dose needed to decrease GI ADR from levodopa?
70-100 mg/day
What are the carb/levo brands/formulations?
- Sinemet IR & CR, PO
- Duopa, intestinal gel via wearable pump w/ J-tube
What is Inbrija?
levodopa powdered inhalation
What is the indication for Duopa?
advanced PD
If a patient is on oral carb/levo before switching to Duopa what is required of the oral regimen?
must be put on IR to switch to the pump
How should you adjust the dose when switching from IR to CR carb/levo?
decrease the frequency by 50% and consider a dose increase by 25%/day
What are the benefits of using CR carb/levo over IR?
decreased time “off”
dec dosing frequency
What are the typical carb/levo ratios?
1:4 (IR also has 1:10)
What is the indication for Inbrija?
supportive PRN therapy for intermittent “off” periods
NOT a replacement for PO carb/levo
What is a CI for Inbrija?
use of a MAOI in last 2 weeks
What Parkinson’s agent can cause black saliva/nasal secretions?
Inbrija (levodopa powder inhalation)
What COMT inhibitors are used in Parkinson’s?
- entacapone (Comtan)
- tolcapone (Tasmar)
- opicapone (Ongentys)
Which COMT inhibitor has the shortest half life?
entacapone (Comtan)
What is the indication for COMT inhibitors in PD?
adjunct therapy to extend effect of levodopa (prevents breakdown)
How is entacapone dosed?
200mg with EACH DOSE of carb/levo
What is Stalevo?
carb/levo, entacapone
1:4, 200 mg
What type of meal decreases levodopa absorption?
high protein
How is tolcapone (Tasmar) dosed?
100 mg TID
How is opicapone dosed?
50 mg QHS (no food 1 hour before/after)
What Parkinson’s agent has an ADR of brown/orange urine?
entacapone (Comtan)