Question

benztropine mesylate carbidopa-levodopa ropinirole What is the classification of this medication? What conditions is/are this med used for? How is it administered? How does it work in the body? What are the contraindications? What signs and symptoms will you monitor? What will you teach your patient about the medication?

Answer 1

Benztropine mesylate carbidopa-levodopa ropinirole, this is not a single drug. It consists of 3 drugs. Namely Benztropine, carbidopa, levodopa and ropinirole.

DRUGS	Benztropine	carbidopa	levodopa	ropinirole.
CLASSIFICATION	antiparkinsonian agent	decarboxylase inhibitors	decarboxylase inhibitors.	dopamine agonists

INDICATION:- Parkinson's disease, involuntary muscle movements, tremors, restless leg syndrome(RLS), acute dystonic reactions, hypersalivation

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION:- Oral, Intramuscular, Intravenous

MECHANISM OF ACTION:-

Benztropine- The drugs act by blocking the central acetylcholine receptors, this balances the cholinergic activity in the body. Carbidopa-  It works by preventing levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain. This lowers the dose of levodopa, which causes less nausea and vomiting. Levodopa- Its converted to dopamine and acts as dopamine in brain. Ropinirole-  it acts by stimulating dopamine D2 receptors within the caudate-putamen in the brain.

CONTRAINDICATION:- psychotic disorder, slow heartbeat, orthostatic hypotension, drowsiness, hallucinations, dyskinesia, malignant myeloma, diabetes, suicidat tendancies, depression.

SIDE EFFECTS TO MONITOR:- dizziness and fainting, hallucinations, headache, flushing, dry mouth, sweating, chest pain, edema, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, dry mouth, constipation.

PATIENT TEACHING:- Do not take more than prescribed dosage. Do not chew or bite the tablet. Encourage patient to take the drug as directed. Take missed doses as soon as possible, up to 2 hr before the next dose. Taper gradually when discontinuing or a withdrawal reaction may occur. Educate patient to change positions slowly(orthostatic hypotension). Educate patient to avoid driving, other hazarduos activities and OTC medication.