Levodopa and Carbidopa in Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Overview

• Levodopa and Carbidopa are drugs given together to treat Parkinson's disease.
• Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain.
• Carbidopa helps increase the amount of levodopa that enters the brain.

Mechanism of Action

Levodopa

• Levodopa: Converted to dopamine in the brain.
• Key Function: Increases dopamine levels in the brain.

Carbidopa

• Carbidopa: Given with levodopa to increase its effectiveness.
• Key Function: Prevents peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine.
• Effect: Increases the amount of levodopa reaching the brain and reduces peripheral side effects.

Combined Effects

• Combination: Most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease symptoms.
• Result: Increases dopamine in the brain but does not cure the disease.

Side Effects

Psychiatric Disturbances

• Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, confusion, agitation.

Orthostatic Hypotension

• Symptoms: Dizziness and lightheadedness when changing positions quickly.
• Precaution: Educate patients to change positions slowly.

Akinetic Crisis

• Symptom: Paralysis or severe rigidity if the drug is stopped suddenly.
• Precaution: Taper off the drug slowly to avoid this.

Key Points

• Levodopa and Carbidopa: Medications given together for Parkinson's disease.
• Levodopa: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and converts to dopamine.
• Carbidopa: Helps more levodopa reach the brain and prevents peripheral conversion.
• Side Effects: Include psychiatric disturbances and orthostatic hypotension.
• Akinetic Crisis: Can occur if stopped suddenly; taper off slowly.