- Body system
- Neurology
- Drug cards
- 1 in this guide
Drugs in this class
Other examples: Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Selegiline, Rasagiline, Entacapone, Amantadine, Benztropine.
How antiparkinson drugs work
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain; dopamine agonists stimulate dopamine receptors directly; MAO-B and COMT inhibitors slow dopamine breakdown; anticholinergics reduce tremor.
Uses
- Parkinson disease
- Restless legs syndrome (dopamine agonists)
- Drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (benztropine)
Adverse effects
- Nausea and orthostatic hypotension
- Dyskinesias
- Hallucinations and confusion
- Impulse control disorders and sudden sleep (dopamine agonists)
- Anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion
Nursing considerations
- Give doses on time.
- Assess for orthostatic hypotension and fall risk.
- Avoid dopamine antagonists such as haloperidol and metoclopramide.
Patient teaching
- Rise slowly.
- Report hallucinations or compulsive behaviors.
- Do not stop carbidopa-levodopa suddenly.
Antiparkinson drugs NCLEX practice questions
Answer each question to see the rationale.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Why is carbidopa combined with levodopa?
Show answer
Answer A: To prevent levodopa from being broken down outside the brain Carbidopa blocks peripheral conversion of levodopa, so more reaches the brain and peripheral side effects such as nausea decrease.
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Which antiemetic should be avoided in a patient with Parkinson disease?
Show answer
Answer C: Metoclopramide Metoclopramide blocks dopamine receptors and can worsen Parkinson symptoms.
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A patient taking carbidopa-levodopa notices dark urine. What should the nurse explain?
Show answer
Answer B: This is a harmless effect of the drug Levodopa metabolites can darken urine and sweat; this is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
What are antiparkinson drugs?
Parkinson drugs restore dopamine activity or balance it with acetylcholine. Carbidopa-levodopa is the most effective; timing doses on schedule prevents 'off' periods.
How do antiparkinson drugs work?
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain; dopamine agonists stimulate dopamine receptors directly; MAO-B and COMT inhibitors slow dopamine breakdown; anticholinergics reduce tremor.
What are examples of antiparkinson drugs?
Carbidopa-levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Selegiline, Rasagiline, Entacapone, Amantadine and Benztropine.
What are the nursing considerations for antiparkinson drugs?
Give doses on time. Assess for orthostatic hypotension and fall risk.