Drugs Used in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

These flashcards cover the pharmacological treatments for Parkinson's disease, detailing the mechanisms, side effects, and specific drug interactions relevant for understanding the management of the disease.

What are the three main symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Rigidity, Tremor, Hypo/akinesia.

What is the imbalance in Parkinson's disease related to?

An imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the nigro-striatal pathway.

What is the primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease?

Levodopa (L-dopa), which is a natural precursor of dopamine.

What is the role of Carbidopa in Parkinson's treatment?

It is a Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor that helps decrease peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine.

What do COMT inhibitors do?

They inhibit the enzyme Catechol-O-methyltransferase, increasing the bioavailability of levodopa.

Identify one of the MAOB inhibitors used in Parkinson's treatment.

Selegiline or rasagiline.

What is the function of dopaminergic drugs in Parkinson's therapy?

They help to replace or mimic dopamine to alleviate symptoms.

What are the side effects associated with Levodopa?

Peripheral - anorexia, nausea, vomiting; Central - insomnia, vivid dreams, hallucinations.

What is Amantadine used for in Parkinson's treatment?

It is used to increase the release of dopamine and reduce neuronal reuptake.

What kind of effect do antimuscarinic drugs have on Parkinson's symptoms?

They provide slight improvement in tremor and possibly rigidity, but no significant effect on hypokinesia.

What is the main disadvantage of using Levodopa?

Long-term use can lead to tolerance and end-of-dose deterioration.

Which combination drug formulation includes both Carbidopa and Levodopa?

Co-careldopa (Sinemet) or Co-beneldopa (Madopar).

Why are dopamine agonists preferred as first-line therapy for younger patients?

They have less fluctuation compared to Levodopa.

What is the adverse effect of Bromocriptine that is more common than L-dopa?

Similar side effects to L-Dopa but more severe, including retroperitoneal fibrosis.

What are COMT inhibitors like Entacapone known to cause?

Dyskinesia and orange discoloration of body fluids.

What is the mechanism of action for MAO-B inhibitors like Selegiline?

They irreversibly inhibit the enzyme MAO-B, increasing dopamine levels.

What is a notable side effect of using Rasagiline?

It does not produce an amphetamine metabolite.

What is the advantage of using Amantadine in comparison to antimuscarinic drugs?

Amantadine is more effective than antimuscarinic drugs in treating Parkinson's symptoms.

How is Apomorphine administered for treating Parkinson's symptoms?

It is administered as a subcutaneous injection or infusion.

What is the purpose of A2A receptor antagonists in Parkinson's treatment?

They may enhance the effects of dopamine-replacement therapy.