NUR 431 EXAM 2 DRUGS QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Dicyclomine - Answer-ANTI-SPASMODIC-anticholinergic agent
-given for IBS--relieves muscle spasms of the gi system
-watch for anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, flushing,
blurred vision
Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet) - Answer-PARKINSON'S DISEASE
-levodopa=converts to dopamine in the brain and activates receptors (increasing
dopamine)
-carbidopa=blocks destruction of levodopa (keeps it available longer)
-MOST EFFECTIVE DRUG FOR PD
-takes several months to see improvement (because it takes a while to get the
Dopamine/ACH balance back)
-does not work long term... "loss of effect", doses wear off, may need shorter dose
intervals
-abrupt loss of effect "on-off" phenomenon can occur anytime during dosing interval.
"off" periods increase over time (this can be reduces with drugs and avoiding high
protein meals {interfere with absorption})
-adverse effects are due to levodopa: N/V (give with food, but that reduces absorption),
dyskinesias, postural hypertenstion (get up slow), dysrhythmias (monitor cardiac when
dosing), psychosis, dark sweat/urine, malignant melanoma
-decrease effects of levodopa: vitamin B6, antipsychotics, and protein
-increase effects of levodopa: carbidopa, anticholinergics, MAO (causes toxicity)
Duopa - Answer-carbidopa/levodopa enteral suspension given via J-tube.
-continuous infusion for continuous blood level (up to 16 hours per day. (stop @ night to
sleep)
-given to those that have the "on-off" phenomenon
-do not take within 2 weeks of nonselective MAOI, for depression
-talk about all medications currently taking
-SE: falling asleep, orthostatic hypotension, hallucinations, unusual urges, depression,
dyskinesia, also placement of tube related side effects
Pramipexole - Answer-PARKINSON'S DISEASE
-dopamine receptor agonist
-binds to and stimulated D2 receptors
- given for monotherapy in early (younger) PD, combined with SInemet in advanced PD,
or for restless leg syndrome
-AE: nausea, sleep attacks, pathologic gambling/compulsivity
-when combined with levodopa: orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesias, hallucination risk
doubles
AND ANSWERS
Dicyclomine - Answer-ANTI-SPASMODIC-anticholinergic agent
-given for IBS--relieves muscle spasms of the gi system
-watch for anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, flushing,
blurred vision
Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet) - Answer-PARKINSON'S DISEASE
-levodopa=converts to dopamine in the brain and activates receptors (increasing
dopamine)
-carbidopa=blocks destruction of levodopa (keeps it available longer)
-MOST EFFECTIVE DRUG FOR PD
-takes several months to see improvement (because it takes a while to get the
Dopamine/ACH balance back)
-does not work long term... "loss of effect", doses wear off, may need shorter dose
intervals
-abrupt loss of effect "on-off" phenomenon can occur anytime during dosing interval.
"off" periods increase over time (this can be reduces with drugs and avoiding high
protein meals {interfere with absorption})
-adverse effects are due to levodopa: N/V (give with food, but that reduces absorption),
dyskinesias, postural hypertenstion (get up slow), dysrhythmias (monitor cardiac when
dosing), psychosis, dark sweat/urine, malignant melanoma
-decrease effects of levodopa: vitamin B6, antipsychotics, and protein
-increase effects of levodopa: carbidopa, anticholinergics, MAO (causes toxicity)
Duopa - Answer-carbidopa/levodopa enteral suspension given via J-tube.
-continuous infusion for continuous blood level (up to 16 hours per day. (stop @ night to
sleep)
-given to those that have the "on-off" phenomenon
-do not take within 2 weeks of nonselective MAOI, for depression
-talk about all medications currently taking
-SE: falling asleep, orthostatic hypotension, hallucinations, unusual urges, depression,
dyskinesia, also placement of tube related side effects
Pramipexole - Answer-PARKINSON'S DISEASE
-dopamine receptor agonist
-binds to and stimulated D2 receptors
- given for monotherapy in early (younger) PD, combined with SInemet in advanced PD,
or for restless leg syndrome
-AE: nausea, sleep attacks, pathologic gambling/compulsivity
-when combined with levodopa: orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesias, hallucination risk
doubles
