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What to do when people with Parkinson’s disease cannot take their usual oral medications

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 23:05 authored by Jane AltyJane Alty, Robson, J, Duggan-Carter, P, Jamieson, S
People with Parkinson’s disease have limited brain reserves of endogenous dopamine; thus, their medications must not be omitted or delayed as this may lead to a significant drop in brain dopamine levels. This has two main clinical consequences: first, a deterioration in disease control, with distressing symptoms such as tremor, pain, rigidity, dysphagia and immobility, and second, an increased risk of developing the life-threatening complication of neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome. Common reasons for people with Parkinson’s disease being unable to take their oral medications are neurogenic dysphagia from progressive disease or concurrent illness, gastroenteritis, iatrogenic ‘nil by mouth’ status especially perioperatively, and impaired consciousness level. Here we outline alternative methods to give dopaminergic drugs in the acute setting to people with Parkinson’s disease who cannot take their usual oral treatment, namely using dispersible preparations in thickened fluids, an enteral tube, a transdermal patch or subcutaneous injections.

History

Publication title

Practical Neurology

Volume

16

Pagination

122-128

ISSN

1474-7758

Department/School

Wicking Dementia Research Education Centre

Publisher

B M J Group

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2016 The Authors

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Treatment of human diseases and conditions

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