Drugs for Degenerative Diseases and Muscles

Dopaminergic agents & Cholinergic blockers

Alzheimer's, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's chorea, Parkinson's

A degenerative disorder of the CNS caused by death of neurons that produce dopamine. 2nd most common degenerative disease.

Tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability

Genetics, environmental toxins: carbon monoxide, cyanide, manganese, chlorine, and pesticides.

Muscle movement

Increase the ability of the patient to perform ADL's

Increase dopamine levels within critical areas of the corpus striatum

Profile drug for dopamineric agents, and is a precursor of dopamine.

Therapeutic class: antiparkinson agent pharmacologic class: dopamine precursor actions & uses: restores neurotransmitter dopamine, often combined with carbidopa, takes 6 months for max. effect. adverse effect: uncontrolled and pruposeless movement, spasmodic winking=signs of toxicity. don't take within 14-28 days of MAOI=hyptertensive crisis

Therapeutic class: Antiparkinson agent pharmacologic class: centrally acting cholinergic receptor blocker actions & uses: blocks excess cholinergic stimulation of neurons in the corpus striatum, supresses tremors (doesn't effect tardive dyskinesia), adverse effects: sedation, dry mouth, constipation, & tachycardia. interacts with many drugs including OTC

7th leading cause of death in the U.S. A devastating, progressive, degenerative disease that is responsible for most cases of dementia.

Degenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion, & inability to think or communicate effectively.

Wasting away

1, 14, or 21