Dopamine Replacement Agents

Question 1

Action

Answer 1

Assist to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, secondary to the decrease in endogenous dopamine.

• These drugs are able to cross the BBB

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinsonism

Question 3

Side Effects

Answer 3

• Arrythmias (Levodopa)
• GI Distress
• Orthostatic Hypotension
• Dyskinesias
• Mood and Behavior Changes
• Tolerance

Question 4

Implications for PT

Answer 4

Patient and Therapist attain maximal benefit from scheduling therapy one hour after administration of levodopa.

• Monitor patients BP due to the potential for Orthostatic Hypotension

Question 5

Examples

Answer 5

Sinemet (Levodopa)
Symmetrel (Amantadine)