Pharmacology Unit 7 Flashcards
What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
A chronic degenerative disease of the CNS associated with diminished dopamine synthesis, release, or binding in the substantia nigra.
What are the clinical signs of Parkinson’s Disease?
Bradykinesia, rigidity in movement, difficulty initiating movement, and loss of motor control.
What is bradykinesia?
A condition characterized by slowness of movement.
What causes rigidity in movement in Parkinson’s Disease?
A compensatory response of cholinergic activity to dopamine under secretion.
Fill in the blank: Parkinson’s Disease is associated with diminished _______ in the substantia nigra.
dopamine
What role does cholinergic activity play in Parkinson’s Disease?
It compensates for dopamine under secretion, causing rigidity in movement.
What is the primary cause of symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease?
Dysfunction of dopamine in various parts of the brain
Which area of the brain is most critical in Parkinson’s Disease and relies on dopamine?
Corpus striatum
What are the two key neurotransmitters involved in controlling balance, posture, tone, and involuntary muscle movement?
- Dopamine
- Acetylcholine (Ach)
What is the main focus of drug therapy in Parkinson’s Disease?
Dopamine and Acetylcholine (Ach)
If dopamine is absent, what effect does Acetylcholine (Ach) have in Parkinson’s Disease?
Ach has a more dramatic effect
What is the therapeutic goal when dopamine is absent in Parkinson’s Disease?
Restore dopamine and block Ach
What are some important structures mentioned in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease?
- Substantia nigra pars compacta
- Globus pallidus externus
- Ventroanterior nucleus
- Substantia nigra pars externa
- Subthalamic nucleus
- Globus pallidus interna
- Ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus
What is the primary pharmacokinetic property of dopamine in relation to the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
Dopamine does not cross the BBB.
What is the primary pharmacokinetic property of levodopa (dopa) in relation to the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
Dopa crosses the BBB.
What is the method of administration for levodopa?
Oral administration.
How can dosages of levodopa be minimized?
By administering it with a companion drug that inhibits premature levodopa breakdown.
What type of drug is used to inhibit the premature breakdown of levodopa?
A peripheral de-carboxylase inhibitor, such as carbidopa.
What is the combination of levodopa and a decarboxylase inhibitor called?
Sinemet.
True or False: Levodopa is more effective when taken alone without any companion drugs.
False.
Fill in the blank: Levodopa is often administered with _______ to enhance its effectiveness.
carbidopa.
What are common gastrointestinal problems associated with Levodopa therapy?
Nausea, vomiting, constipation
These issues can significantly affect patient compliance and quality of life.
What cardiovascular problems can arise from Levodopa therapy?
Orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmias
These conditions may require monitoring and management to prevent falls and other complications.
What are dyskinesias in the context of Levodopa therapy?
Involuntary movements, often as a side effect of long-term use
Dyskinesias can severely impact motor control and daily functioning.
How can Levodopa therapy lead to behavioral changes?
Changes in mood, impulse control issues
Behavioral changes can affect social interactions and overall mental health.
What does diminished response to Levodopa mean?
Decreased effectiveness of the drug over time
This phenomenon may necessitate dosage adjustments or alternative therapies.
What are fluctuations in response to Levodopa?
Variability in symptom control, often referred to as ‘on-off’ phenomena
Patients may experience periods of good response followed by periods of poor response.
What are drug holidays in the context of Levodopa therapy?
Temporary cessation of the drug to manage side effects or diminished response
Drug holidays may help restore the drug’s effectiveness and reduce adverse effects.