Striatonigral Degeneration Medication

Author: Arif I Dalvi, MD; Chief Editor: Selim R Benbadis, MD more...

Updated: Apr 13, 2012

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Medication Summary
Antiparkinson Agents, Dopamine Agonists
Corticosteroids
Alpha1 Agonists
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Medication Summary

The drugs in the tables below are specific to the treatment of parkinsonism and postural hypotension associated with multiple system atrophy with predominantly parkinsonian features (MSA-P). As previously mentioned, in patients with multiple system atrophy, the response to antiparkinsonian medications is suboptimal at best. Because better options are not available, however, these agents remain the treatment of choice for the disease.

Adjunct medications

Anticholinergic medications, such as oxybutynin, are sometimes used for incontinence but often lead to subsequent retention. Although sildenafil has been used for treatment of erectile dysfunction, it is generally not recommended, due to its high potential to provoke or exacerbate hypotension. The use of a fiber supplement or another bowel regimen may be necessary for constipation.

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or similar drug may be required for the treatment of depression often associated with all subtypes of multiple system atrophy. For patients who suffer from REM sleep behavioral disorder, clonazepam may be beneficial. Botulinum toxin (BOTOX®) injection to the vocal cords has been used for the treatment of stridor.

Class Summary

Dopaminergic drugs can exacerbate orthostatic hypotension. They must be initiated at low doses and cautiously titrated up.

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Levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet, Parcopa)

Levodopa is a dopamine precursor used to increase central nervous system (CNS) dopamine concentration, as it is not possible for dopamine to cross the blood-brain barrier. Carbidopa is a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents premature conversion of levodopa to dopamine in the tissues prior to entering the CNS. It increases the efficiency of levodopa therapy, allows for lower dosages, and also decreases the side effects associated with peripheral conversion.

Standard release forms of levodopa-carbidopa are available in 25/100-, 10/100-, and 25/250-mg tablets. Controlled-release preparations are available in 50/200 mg and 25/100 mg.

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Pramipexole (Mirapex)

Pramipexole is a nonergot dopamine agonist that is used with or without concomitant levodopa therapy. It binds D2 and D3 dopamine receptors. Due to pramipexole's high specificity for D3 receptors (relative to other dopamine agonists), it may cause less orthostatic hypotension. It has no significant effect on other adrenergic or serotonergic receptors. The drug's absolute bioavailability is greater than 90%. Its peak serum concentration is reached in approximately 2 hours and its half-life is approximately 8 hours.

There are no known metabolites; roughly 90% of this drug is renally excreted in its unchanged form. Tablets are available in 0.125-, 0.25-, 0.5-, 0.75-, 1-, and 1.5-mg forms.

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Ropinirole (Requip)

Ropinirole is a nonergot dopamine agonist that is used with or without concomitant levodopa therapy. It binds to D2 and D3 receptors but has a greater affinity for D3. Ropinirole's bioavailability is 55%, its peak plasma concentration is reached in 1-2 hours, and its half-life is approximately 6 hours. Ropinirole is extensively metabolized by the liver via P450 CYP1A2. Less than 10% of the drug is renally excreted; no dosage change is required in mild to moderate renal insufficiency. If ropinirole is used as adjunct therapy, it may be possible to titrate levodopa dosage slowly downward.

Class Summary

These are used to treat orthostatic hypotension that is refractory to nonpharmacologic recommendations.

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Fludrocortisone

Fludrocortisone is a synthetic steroid with predominantly mineralocorticoid activity. It acts on renal distal tubules to enhance the reabsorption of sodium and increase the urinary excretion of potassium. The net effect is an increase in plasma volume and an elevation of blood pressure. The drug's metabolism is primarily hepatic.

Class Summary

These drugs are used to treat orthostatic hypotension that is refractory to nonpharmacologic recommendations.

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Midodrine

Midodrine is a selective alpha1-adrenergic agonist used for the treatment of hypotension.

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Arif I Dalvi, MD Director, Movement Disorders Center, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Chicago Pritzker Medical School

Arif I Dalvi, MD is a member of the following medical societies: European Neurological Society and Movement Disorders Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Paula K Rauschkolb, DO Staff Physician, Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Paula K Rauschkolb, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Stephen A Berman, MD, PhD, MBA Professor of Neurology, University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Stephen A Berman, MD, PhD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Neurology, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Selim R Benbadis, MD Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine

Selim R Benbadis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: UCB Pharma Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Lundbeck Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Cyberonics Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Glaxo Smith Kline Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Sleepmed/DigiTrace Honoraria Speaking, consulting

Additional Contributors

Maritza Arroyo-Muñiz, MD Associate Program Director, Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Puerto Rico

Maritza Arroyo-Muñiz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, National Stroke Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Syed T Arshad, MD Staff Physician, Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Syed T Arshad, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, MD, MSc, MHA Chairman, Department of Neurology, Program Director, Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Division of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida

Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, MD, MSc, MHA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American College of Physicians, and Movement Disorders Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Reference Salary Employment

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