Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

Pharmacological Treatment

Answer 1

1. Increase DA (dopamine)
2. Decrease Ach (acetylcholine)

Imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine (not enough dopamine, too much acetylcholine)

Question 2

Cogentin

Answer 2

Generic name: benztropine
Anticholinergic (decreases Ach)
Tablets: 2mg

Question 3

Mirapex

Answer 3

Generic name: pramipexole
Dopamine agonist (increases DA)
Tablets: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.5mg

Question 4

Sinemet

Answer 4

Generic name: levodopa+carbidopa
Levodopa crosses blood brain barrier (BBB) and is converted to dopamine
-Adding carbidopa increases effectiveness of levodopa (decreases
breakdown of levodopa before it can cross BBB)
Some patients may take 1 tablet up to 6 times per day and often during the night as well (patient may be woken up to take dose)
Tablets: 100mg+10mg, 100mg+25mg, 250mg+25mg
CR (controlled release) tablets: 100mg+25mg, 200mg+50mg

Question 5

Prolopa

Answer 5

Generic name: levodopa+benserazide
Benserazide allows more levodopa to get to brain
Capsules: 50mg+12.5mg, 100mg+25mg, 200mg+50mg

Question 6

Comtan

Answer 6

Generic name: entacapone
COMT inhibitor (blocks enzyme that breaks down levodopa; increase duration of response to levodopa)
Tablets: 200mg