Page 2066 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

high-dose glucocorticoid intravenously to suppress
inflammation or giving gamma globulin
intravenously.
5. Treating symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be done
with a variety of medications, and the medication can
be changed if unfavorable effects occur.
6. Box 59-4 identifies medications commonly used to
treat symptoms.
B. Side and adverse effects
1. Immunomodulators: Flu-like reactions, hepatotoxicity,
myelosuppression, injection site reactions, depression,
and neutralizing antibodies.
2. Immunosuppressants: Myelosuppression,
cardiotoxicity, fetal harm, reversible hair loss, injury
to the gastrointestinal mucosa, nausea and vomiting,
and menstrual irregularities.
III. Antiparkinsonian Medications
A. Description
1. Antiparkinsonian medications restore the balance of
the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine in
the central nervous system (CNS), decreasing the
signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to
maximize the client’s functional abilities.
2. These medications include the dopaminergics, which
stimulate the dopamine receptors; the
anticholinergics, which block the cholinergic
receptors; and the catechol-O-methyltransferase
inhibitors, which inhibit the metabolism of dopamine
in the periphery.
B. Dopaminergic medications
1. Description
a. Dopaminergic medications stimulate
the dopamine receptors and increase
the amount of dopamine available in
the CNS or enhance neurotransmission
of dopamine.
b. Dopaminergic medications are
contraindicated in clients with cardiac,
renal, or psychiatric disorders.

Carbidopa-levodopa taken with a

monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant can
cause a hypertensive crisis.
2. Medications (Box 59-5)

3. Side and adverse effects

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