Parkinsons Disease Flashcards
(46 cards)
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
A neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement control.
What is the primary neurotransmitter affected in Parkinson’s Disease?
Dopamine.
Name a common first-line medication used to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
Levodopa.
What is the action of Levodopa?
It is converted to dopamine in the brain, helping to improve motor function.
What are some common adverse effects of Levodopa?
Nausea, vomiting, dyskinesia, and orthostatic hypotension.
True or False: Levodopa should be taken with food.
True.
What is the role of Carbidopa when combined with Levodopa?
It prevents the conversion of Levodopa to dopamine outside the brain, reducing side effects.
What is a common brand name for the combination of Carbidopa and Levodopa?
Sinemet.
Fill in the blank: The use of Levodopa may lead to ________ after prolonged use.
Motor fluctuations.
What is an important contraindication for using Levodopa?
Narrow-angle glaucoma.
Name an anticholinergic medication used in Parkinson’s Disease.
Benztropine.
What is the action of Benztropine?
It helps to reduce tremors and rigidity by blocking cholinergic activity.
What are common adverse effects of anticholinergics like Benztropine?
Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision.
True or False: Anticholinergics are preferred for older adults with Parkinson’s Disease.
False.
What is the action of MAO-B inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease treatment?
They inhibit the enzyme that breaks down dopamine, increasing dopamine availability.
Name a common MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson’s Disease.
Rasagiline.
What are potential adverse effects of MAO-B inhibitors?
Headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.
What is a serious contraindication for MAO-B inhibitors?
Concomitant use with certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs.
Name a dopamine agonist used in Parkinson’s Disease.
Pramipexole.
What is the action of dopamine agonists?
They stimulate dopamine receptors directly, mimicking dopamine effects.
What are common adverse effects of dopamine agonists?
Nausea, hallucinations, and sleepiness.
True or False: Dopamine agonists are often used as first-line treatment.
False.
What is the role of COMT inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease management?
They prolong the effect of Levodopa by inhibiting its metabolism.
Name a common COMT inhibitor.
Entacapone.