UTMB pharm exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
what is levodopa/carbidopa for? - ✔✔PD; levoodopa increases dopamine synthesis;
carbidopa allows for more levodopa in CNS to be absorbed.
Combined (sinemet) can lead to abnormal movements and psych disturbances.
Dosage low and gradually increases (CNS drug has tolerance)
Avoid eating protein all at once because protein absorbs this med up
Monitor: CBC, ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine
Adverse effects: CV (orthostatic hypotension), dysrhythmias; psychosis (vivid dreams,
hallucinations, paranoia, use 2nd gen antipsych med clozapine); anxiety and agitation,
memory and cognitive impairment, dark sweat/urine; or drug interactions w/ drugs
that block dopamine receptors (MAOI can cause hypertensive crisis)
Dopamine receptor agonists MOA and what for? - ✔✔MOA: mimic dopamine in brain
for PD
Brittie Donald, All Rights Reserved © 2025 1
, Pramipexole (Mirapex) is a - ✔✔a dopamine receptor agonist, use alone in early PD and
use combined with levodopa in advancing PD
Adverse effects:
Monotherapy (alone) - n/v, dizziness, daytime somnolence, insomnia, constipation,
weakness, hallucinations
Combined: orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesias or jerky movements, increase in
hallucinations
COMT Inhibitor - Entacapone (Comtan) is for - ✔✔COMT is an enzyme to decrease the
production of levodopa metabolizer so it stays in the system longer. (PD)
Adverse effects: dyskinesias, orthostatic hypotension, n/v, diarrhea, constipation,
discoloration in urine
MAO-B inhibitor - Selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapor) - ✔✔Inhibits the dopamine
metabolizer
Used w/ levodopa to prolong it staying in the body, improves motor function
Stops working for the most part after 12-24 mo.
Give last dose by 12 noon
Adverse effects: Mainly insomnia, drug interactions w meperidine or SSRIs
Brittie Donald, All Rights Reserved © 2025 2
Answers 100% Pass
what is levodopa/carbidopa for? - ✔✔PD; levoodopa increases dopamine synthesis;
carbidopa allows for more levodopa in CNS to be absorbed.
Combined (sinemet) can lead to abnormal movements and psych disturbances.
Dosage low and gradually increases (CNS drug has tolerance)
Avoid eating protein all at once because protein absorbs this med up
Monitor: CBC, ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine
Adverse effects: CV (orthostatic hypotension), dysrhythmias; psychosis (vivid dreams,
hallucinations, paranoia, use 2nd gen antipsych med clozapine); anxiety and agitation,
memory and cognitive impairment, dark sweat/urine; or drug interactions w/ drugs
that block dopamine receptors (MAOI can cause hypertensive crisis)
Dopamine receptor agonists MOA and what for? - ✔✔MOA: mimic dopamine in brain
for PD
Brittie Donald, All Rights Reserved © 2025 1
, Pramipexole (Mirapex) is a - ✔✔a dopamine receptor agonist, use alone in early PD and
use combined with levodopa in advancing PD
Adverse effects:
Monotherapy (alone) - n/v, dizziness, daytime somnolence, insomnia, constipation,
weakness, hallucinations
Combined: orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesias or jerky movements, increase in
hallucinations
COMT Inhibitor - Entacapone (Comtan) is for - ✔✔COMT is an enzyme to decrease the
production of levodopa metabolizer so it stays in the system longer. (PD)
Adverse effects: dyskinesias, orthostatic hypotension, n/v, diarrhea, constipation,
discoloration in urine
MAO-B inhibitor - Selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapor) - ✔✔Inhibits the dopamine
metabolizer
Used w/ levodopa to prolong it staying in the body, improves motor function
Stops working for the most part after 12-24 mo.
Give last dose by 12 noon
Adverse effects: Mainly insomnia, drug interactions w meperidine or SSRIs
Brittie Donald, All Rights Reserved © 2025 2
