Drugs - Parkinsons - Levodopa

Question 1

Which drug is the gold standard in the treatment of Parkinson’s?

Answer 1

Levodopa

Question 2

What does dopamine produced from levodopa inhibit the release of?

Answer 2

Prolactin

Question 3

What inhibits the peripheral decarboxylase and and increases the bioavailability of levodopa?

Answer 3

Carbidopa

Question 4

Because it competes with levodopa for intestinal and CNS transporters, what should people with Parkinson’s limit?

Answer 4

Protein meals to night time meals

Question 5

What are the cardiovascular side effects of levodopa?

Answer 5

Minor arrhythmias, postural hypotension, hypertension in combination with nonselective MAOIs

Question 6

What are the G.I. side effects of levodopa?

Answer 6

Anorexia, nausea and vomiting due to stimulation by dopamine of the CTZ. Reduce it by combining with carbidopa.

Question 7

What are the behavioral side effects of levodopa?

Answer 7

Depression, hallucinations, delusions, delirium, hyperactivity, paranoia. More common in patients receiving it with carbidopa

Question 8

What are the fluctuations in response of levodopa?

Answer 8

• Wearing off reactions or end of dose akinesia (treat with frequent small doses or controlled-release)
• on – off phenomenon (switch to controlled-release)