Parkinson's drugs

Question 1

What drug combines levodopa and benserazide?

Answer 1

co-beneldopa

Question 2

What drug combines levodopa and carbidopa?

Answer 2

co-careldopa

Question 3

What is the function of carbidopa and benserazide?

Answer 3

dopa decarboxylase inhibitors
allows smaller dose of levodopa and ensures more levodopa reaches the brain

Question 4

Peripheral side effects of levodopa

Answer 4

postural hypotension
nausea
vomiting

Question 5

Central side effects of levodopa

Answer 5

hallucinations
confusion
dyskinesia
psychosis

Question 6

Name some dopamine agonists

Answer 6

Ropinirole
Rotigotine
Apomorphine

Question 7

When are dopamine agonists used in Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 7

used early in disease if no functional impairment

used late in disease when dyskinesias/motor fluctuations from levodopa become a problem

also rotigotine can be used as a patch if patient unable to take oral medications due to illness

Question 8

Name some MAO-B inhibitors

Answer 8

selegiline
rasagiline

Question 9

MOA of MAO-B inhibitors

Answer 9

reduce dopamine breakdown peripherally and thus increase central uptake of levodopa

Question 10

When are MAO-B inhibitors used in Parkinson’s disease

Answer 10

used in combination with levodopa in late disease

Question 11

Name some COMT inhibitors

Answer 11

(COMT = catechol-O-methyltransferase)

entacapone
tolcapone

Question 12

When are COMT inhibitors used in Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 12

in late disease to extend the use of levodopa

Question 13

COMT inhibitors MOA

Answer 13

they prevent peripheral degradation of levodopa, allowing a higher concentration to cross the blood-brain barrier