Anti-Parkinsonism Drug side effects can include

L-Dopa: dizziness, orthostatic hypotension (30%), irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting (80%)

Bromcriptine (D1/D2 agonist): decreased salivary production and flow, with risk of caries, periodontal disease, candidiasis

Benztropoine, Trihexylphenidyl: anticholinergic agents cause significant xerostomia, risk of tachycardia.

Selegiline: decrease salivary flow, development of caries, periodontal disease, risk of candidiasis. Meperidine (Demerol) is CONTRAINDICATED. This is very important, because deaths have occurred with one dose of Demerol given parenterally (in conscious sedation), the metabolite that Meperidine goes to, in the presence of an MAO inhibitor like Selegiline, is neurotoxic and leads to convulsions, coma and death.

Category: Pharmacology Notes