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Pharmacological Options in Parkinson's Disease
Extracted from geriatricsandaging.ca
| Drug | Advantages | Disadvanges | Adverse Effects |
| Carbidopa/Levodopa (immediate-release) | Most effective of the oral medications Low adverse effect profile | Associated with motor fluctuations | nausea, lightheadedness |
| Carbidopa/Levodopa (extended-release) | Twice-a-day dosing possible Slower release of levodopa | Less predictable absorption | nausea, lightheadedness |
| Parcopa (Carbidopa/Levodopa disintegrating tablets) | Convenience, do not need to take with water | Cost | nausea, lightheadedness |
| Entacapone | Extends levodopa available | Cost | nausea, lightheadedness, diarrhea, worsened dyskinesias, urine discoloration |
| Stalevo (Carbidopa/Levodopa disintegrating tablets) | Convenience | Cost | same as entacapone |
| Pramipexole | Longer half-life than carbidopa/levodopa Less associated with motor fluctuations | Significant adverse effect profile in older adults | nausea, somnolence, orthostasis, leg edema, confusion, hallucinations, sleep attacks |
| Ropinirole | Longer half-life than carbidopa/levodopa Less associated with motor fluctuations | Significant adverse effect profile in older adults | nausea, somnolence, orthostasis, leg edema, confusion, hallucinations, sleep attacks |
| Apomorphine | Quick onset, non-oral | Short half-life, requires premedication with antinausea medication | nausea, somnolence, orthostatic hypotension, QT prolongation, confusion, hallucinations |