Questions and Answers
What is the drug class of Carbidopa-Levodopa?
What are the therapeutic effects of Carbidopa-Levodopa?
To treat parkinsonism; to relieve tremors and rigidity
How does Carbidopa-Levodopa work?
Transmission of levodopa to brain cells for conversion to dopamine; carbidopa blocks the conversion of levodopa to dopamine in the intestine and peripheral tissues
What are some contraindications for Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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Which drug interactions can occur with Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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What lab interactions may occur with Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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What are common side effects of Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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What are life-threatening adverse reactions of Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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Why should patients not abruptly stop taking Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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Is urine discoloration a harmless effect of Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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What dietary recommendation is associated with Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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What is the PO onset time for Carbidopa-Levodopa?
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Study Notes
Drug Class
- Antiparkinson medication, functioning as a dopamine replacement.
Therapeutic Effects/Uses
- Primarily used to treat parkinsonism.
- Alleviates symptoms such as tremors and rigidity.
Mode of Action
- Levodopa is transmitted to brain cells where it converts to dopamine.
- Carbidopa prevents levodopa from converting to dopamine in the intestine and peripheral tissues, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.
Contraindications
- Not recommended for individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma, severe cardiac, renal, or hepatic diseases.
- Cautions include peptic ulcer disease, psychiatric disorders, seizure disorders, and suicidal ideation.
Drug Interactions
- Risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with MAO inhibitors (MAOIs).
- Anticholinergics and antipsychotics can decrease the effectiveness of levodopa.
Lab Interactions
- May elevate levels of BUN, AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH in laboratory tests.
Side Effects
- Common: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, fatigue, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, bitter taste, twitching, blurred vision, insomnia, and dark urine.
Life-Threatening and Other Adverse Reactions
- Serious risks include agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, cardiac dysrhythmias, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- Other adverse effects can involve involuntary movements, palpitations, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, priapism, psychosis, severe depression with suicidal ideation, and hallucinations.
Abrupt Discontinuation
- Patients should avoid stopping medication abruptly to prevent rebound parkinsonism, which can lead to a return of symptoms.
Urine Color Change
- Urine discoloration is a harmless side effect, darkening when exposed to air; perspiration may also darken, which can stain clothes.
Diet Recommendation
- Taking the medication with food can reduce gastrointestinal upset but may slow the absorption rate of the drug.
PO Onset
- Oral administration results in an onset of action within 15 minutes.
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Description
This quiz covers essential information about antiparkinson medications, focusing on levodopa and its function as a dopamine replacement. Explore its therapeutic effects, modes of action, contraindications, and potential drug interactions. Test your knowledge on how this medication aids in managing symptoms of parkinsonism.
