Antiparkinson agents are medications that help to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurologic disorder which is progressive and eventually debilitating. Patients with Parkinson's experience tremors, difficulty walking, and cognitive problems. Antiparkinson agents allow the patient to live a relatively normal life, but unfortunately many of them have rather severe side effects.
Antiparkinson agents
Brand/Generic Drug Names
Symmetrel/amantadine, Parlodel/bromocriptine, Sinemet/carbidopa, Dopar/levodopa, Cogentin/benztropine, Akineton/biperiden, Artane/trihexyphenydil, Permax/pergolide, Eldepryl/selegiline, tolcapone
Common uses
Parkinson’s disease
Pharmacology
Cholinergics: block/compete for central acetylcholine receptors
Dopamine agonists: activate dopamine receptors
Class contraindications
hypersensitivity, narrow-angle glaucoma, undiagnosed skin lesions
Class precautions
pregnancy, lactation, children, renal, cardiac, hepatic disease, affective disorder
Interactions
varies by drug
Adverse Reactions
involuntary movements, headache, numbness, insomnia, nightmares, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension
Additional Information
Assess blood pressure, respirations, mental status
Adjust dosage to patient response
Administer with meals; limit protein
Do not administer within 2 wks of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Evaluate therapeutic response: decrease in akathisia, increased mood
Date of most recent Update
August 08, 2002
Further information is available in the writeup for the
specific name(s) of this medication class