CNS Parkinsons/Alzheimers Flashcards

(36 cards)

1
Q

What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of carbidopa in antiparkinsonian drugs?

A

Prevents an enzyme from converting levodopa to dopamine in peripheral too early, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.

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2
Q

List common side effects of carbidopa/levodopa.

A
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Discolored bodily fluids (red, brown, or black with saliva, urine, sweat)
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3
Q

What are some adverse effects of carbidopa/levodopa?

A
  • Dopamine toxicity
  • Dyskinesia
  • Bradykinesia
  • Hypotension
  • Syncope
  • Myocardial Infarction (MI)
  • Arrhythmias
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4
Q

What nursing considerations should be taken when administering carbidopa/levodopa?

A
  • Assess mood, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, intense urges
  • Periodically monitor AST, ALT, BUN, CREAT, CBC
  • Administer on time, preferably before mealtime
  • Avoid high protein food
  • Therapeutic effects take several weeks
  • Contraindicated with MAOIs
  • Monitor for ‘On-Off Phenomenon’
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5
Q

What are examples of carbidopa/levodopa medications?

A
  • carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet)
  • carbidopa/levodopa (Parcopa)
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6
Q

What is the MOA of dopamine agonists in antiparkinsonian drugs?

A

Prevents the reuptake of dopamine to be recycled and promotes the release of dopamine, increasing dopamine in the synaptic cleft.

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7
Q

List some common side effects of dopamine agonists.

A
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Dry Eyes
  • Blurred Vision
  • Dry Mouth
  • Livedo Reticularis
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8
Q

What adverse effects are associated with dopamine agonists?

A
  • Suicide ideation
  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • Peripheral Edema
  • Ataxia
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9
Q

What nursing considerations should be monitored with dopamine agonists?

A
  • Assess mood, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, intense urges
  • Monitor for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
  • Monitor renal function
  • Monitor for orthostatic hypotension
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10
Q

What is an example of a dopamine agonist medication?

A

Amantadine (Gocovri)

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11
Q

What is the mechanism of action of MAO B inhibitors in antiparkinsonian drugs?

A

Reduces the destruction of dopamine in the brain, allowing greater dopaminergic activity and selectively inhibits MAO-B.

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12
Q

List the side effects of MAO B inhibitors.

A
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
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13
Q

What are some adverse effects of MAO B inhibitors?

A
  • Suicide ideation
  • Arrhythmias
  • Dyskinesia
  • High doses can cause hypertensive crisis, Serotonin Syndrome
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14
Q

What nursing considerations should be taken when administering MAO B inhibitors?

A
  • Assess mood, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, intense urges
  • Monitor for hypertensive crisis
  • Avoid foods high in tyramine
  • Monitor for orthostatic hypertension
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15
Q

What are examples of MAO B inhibitors?

A
  • selegiline (Eldepryl)
  • rasagiline (Azilect)
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16
Q

What is the mechanism of action of anticholinergics in antiparkinsonian drugs?

A

Antagonizes acetylcholine to bind to muscarinic receptors, helping with tremors and rigidity.

17
Q

List common side effects of anticholinergics.

A
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Urinary Retention
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
18
Q

What are some adverse effects associated with anticholinergics?

A
  • CNS Effects: Delirium
  • Psychosis
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypertension
19
Q

What nursing considerations should be monitored with anticholinergics?

A
  • Monitor confusion, hallucination, depression, and psychological behaviors
  • Assess HR, ECG, BP
  • Monitor for falls
  • Monitor for palpitations, chest discomfort, shortness of breath
  • Watch for dehydration
20
Q

What are examples of anticholinergic medications?

A
  • benztropine (Cogentin)
  • trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
21
Q

What is the brand name of the new antiparkinsonian drug approved in August 2024?

A

Crexont

Crexont is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa.

22
Q

How many times a day did the Crexont group have to take medication compared to the Sinemet group?

A

3 times a day for Crexont, 5 times a day for Sinemet.

23
Q

What are some side effects of Crexont?

A
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Dyskinesia
24
Q

What is a key feature of the carbidopa/levodopa pump approved in 2015?

A

Continuous infusion of carbidopa/levodopa gel into the small intestine.

25
What type of surgery is required for the carbidopa/levodopa pump?
One-time surgery to place the tube.
26
What is the brand name of the prodrug formulation approved by the FDA in October 2024?
Vyalev
27
What are the side effects associated with Vyalev?
* Infusion site redness * Pain * Skin infection * Swelling * Dyskinesia
28
Who are the candidates for Vyalev treatment?
* People with a good response to levodopa * Those who have at least 2.5 hours OFF time per day * Individuals 63 years old and younger * Those who do not have Medicare insurance
29
What is Alzheimer's disease?
A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, reasoning, language, and personality.
30
At what age does Alzheimer's disease typically begin to affect individuals?
Age of 65 years.
31
What are the progressive stages of dementia in Alzheimer's disease?
* Early: forgetfulness, short term memory loss, mild cognitive impairment * Moderate: disorientation, agitation, incontinence, wandering * Late: loss of verbal and motor skills, difficulty swallowing
32
What causes Alzheimer's disease?
Abnormal deposits of protein in the brain, specifically amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that damage nerve cells.
33
What are Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitors?
Medications that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine.
34
Name two medications for mild Alzheimer's disease.
* Aricept * Exelon
35
What medication is used for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease?
Namenda
36
The side effects of Alzheimer's medications include increased _______.
parasympathetic action