Pergolide and selegiline for Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
Parkinson's disease, a chronic nervous disorder, is characterized by tremor, muscle weakness, rigidity, and a peculiar gait, and may result from a brain deficiency of the natural substance dopamine. Prolonged treatment with the drug combination levodopa and carbidopa is associated with decreasing therapeutic benefit or the 'wearing off' effect, sudden changes in mobility and immobility or the 'on-off' phenomenon, and frequent involuntary movements called dyskinesias. Pergolide, a drug which mimics the actions of dopamine, and selegiline, a drug which prevents the breakdown of dopamine, were recently approved for use with the levodopa-carbidopa drug combination for treating patients with Parkinson's disease. Drug studies demonstrated that pergolide is an effective supplement to levodopa-carbidopa therapy, although it also causes dyskinesias, toxic effects on the heart, mental disturbances, and miscellaneous adverse effects. Selegiline prevents the action of monoamine oxidase B, which causes the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. Selegiline seems to provide less benefit than pergolide in relieving symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and its effects begin to decline after six months of treatment. Other studies have indicated that selegiline increases patient survival and prevents progression of the disease. Selegiline may cause mental disturbances and toxic effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The pharmacokinetics, dosages, and costs of the drugs are described. Pergolide and selegiline may be useful supplements to the levodopa-carbidopa therapy of Parkinson's disease patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Immunization of college students against meningococcal disease
Article Abstract:
It may be necessary to vaccinate all college students who live in dorms against Neisseria meningitidis. This organism causes meningitis, a potentially fatal disease. The rate of meningococcal disease in college students living in dorms is higher than the rate in college students in general as well as the general population.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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Galantamine (Reminyl) for Alzheimer's disease
Article Abstract:
Reminyl may improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease but it has not been tested against other drugs used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It inhibits an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. This increases the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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