DRUGS COMMONLY USED FOR TREATMENT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASEa
| Agent | Available Dosages | Typical Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Levodopaa | ||
| Carbidopa/levodopa | 10/100, 25/100, 25/250 mg | 200-1000 mg levodopa/d 2-4 times/d |
| Benserazide/levodopa | 25/100, 50/200 mg | |
| Carbidopa/levodopa CR | 25/100, 50/200 mg | |
| Benserazide/levodopa MDS | 25/200, 25/250 mg | |
| Parcopa | 10/100, 25/100, 25/250 | |
| Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone | 12.5/50/200, 18.75/75/200, 25/100/200, 31.25/125/200, 37.5/150/200, 50/200/200 mg | |
| Dopamine agonists | ||
| Pramipexole | 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg | 0.25-1.0 mg tid |
| Pramipexole ER | 0.375, 0.75, 1.5. 3.0, 4.5 mg | 1-3 mg/d |
| Ropinirole | 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 mg | 6-24 mg/d |
| Ropinirole XL | 2, 4, 6, 8 mg | 6-24 mg/d |
| Rotigotine patch | 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-mg patches | 4-24 mg/d |
| Apomorphine SC | 2-8 mg | |
| COMT inhibitors | ||
| Entacapone | 200 mg | 200 mg with each levodopa dose |
| Tolcapone | 100, 200 mg | 100-200 mg tid |
| MAO-B inhibitors | ||
| Selegiline | 5 mg | 5 mg bid |
| Rasagiline | 0.5, 1.0 mg | 1.0 mg QAM |
aTreatment should be individualized. Generally, drugs should be started in low doses and titrated to optimal dose.
Note: Drugs should not be withdrawn abruptly but should be gradually lowered or removed as appropriate.
Abbreviations: COMT, catechol-O-methyltransferase; MAO-B, monoamine oxidase type B; QAM, every morning.