Which drug is commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease?

Which drug is commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease?

• A. Rasagiline
• B. L-Dopa and Carbidopa
• C. Selegiline
• D. Benzotropine

Answer: (B)

L-Dopa and Carbidopa are indeed commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. L-Dopa, also known as levodopa, is a precursor to dopamine, which is lacking in the brains of individuals with Parkinson's. When administered, L-Dopa is converted into dopamine, which helps alleviate many of the motor symptoms associated with the disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Carbidopa is added to L-Dopa in the treatment regimen to prevent L-Dopa from being converted into dopamine outside of the brain, mainly in the bloodstream, which ensures more L-Dopa reaches the brain and reduces peripheral side effects like nausea. This combination allows for a more effective treatment with improved tolerability, making it the cornerstone of Parkinson's management. Other options listed serve different purposes in the management of Parkinson's. Rasagiline and Selegiline are both monoamine oxidase inhibitors that can help increase the effectiveness of dopamine but are typically used as adjunct therapies. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication, which can help manage certain symptoms, particularly tremors, but is not the primary treatment for the disease's motor symptoms.

L-Dopa and Carbidopa are indeed commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. L-Dopa, also known as levodopa, is a precursor to dopamine, which is lacking in the brains of individuals with Parkinson's. When administered, L-Dopa is converted into dopamine, which helps alleviate many of the motor symptoms associated with the disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Carbidopa is added to L-Dopa in the treatment regimen to prevent L-Dopa from being converted into dopamine outside of the brain, mainly in the bloodstream, which ensures more L-Dopa reaches the brain and reduces peripheral side effects like nausea. This combination allows for a more effective treatment with improved tolerability, making it the cornerstone of Parkinson's management.

Other options listed serve different purposes in the management of Parkinson's. Rasagiline and Selegiline are both monoamine oxidase inhibitors that can help increase the effectiveness of dopamine but are typically used as adjunct therapies. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication, which can help manage certain symptoms, particularly tremors, but is not the primary treatment for the disease's motor symptoms.