Skip to ContentGo to accessibility page
OpenStax Logo
Pharmacology for Nurses

Chapter Summary

Pharmacology for NursesChapter Summary

Chapter Summary

This chapter discussed the disease processes and drug classifications used in managing two progressive neurodegenerative conditions: Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. There are similarities and differences among these conditions. Both cause motor and autonomic system manifestations, and neither has an identified cure. Both diseases are diagnosed mainly by clinical presentation. Medications are essentially beneficial in reducing symptoms of these conditions. In addition, medications are helpful in preventing relapses in MS and delaying the progression of PD.

The medications for each condition are distinct based on the etiologies. In PD, the medications are focused on increasing dopamine levels in the CNS by using dopamine replacement/dopamine agonist agents. Also, drugs that inhibit enzymes that metabolize the levodopa in the periphery—MAO and COMT inhibitors—are used so more dopamine reaches the CNS. Anticholinergic agents can be used as a second-line therapy in PD to decrease the unopposed ACh levels that cause many symptoms. In contrast, the overall purpose of medication in MS is to alter the immune system components to prevent further attack and damage. Generally, these are considered immunomodulators or have immunosuppressant properties. Drugs such as glucocorticoids or immunoglobulins are used in acute episodes to reduce severity and duration of the relapse. Importantly, varied classifications are necessary to treat nonmotor symptoms, such as spasticity and seizures. Overall, the main outcome for both conditions is for the client to continue to be independent as long as possible.

PreviousNext
Order a print copy
Citation/Attribution
Reuse and redistribution of this content in digital or print format:
  • This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's prior written permission.
  • This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License, which means that you can reuse and modify the material only for noncommercial purposes, must attribute OpenStax, and must distribute any derivative works under the same license.
  • Any commercial printing of this textbook, including using a local or custom printer, must be approved by OpenStax, and proper citation provided.
  • OpenStax-copyrighted images, activities, assessments, and similar components of this book are subject to the same licensing – CC-BY-NC-SA. They can be used for noncommercial purposes with attribution. Commercial use requires permission.
  • Permission requests: Anyone who intends to incorporate this content (including text, images, and other components) into large language models, use it in AI offerings, use it commercially (including in print), and/or has questions about another use case is welcome to complete our reuse request form.
Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/pharmacology/pages/1-introduction

  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial digital format, then for every page that includes OpenStax content, you must license the derivative work under the same CC-BY-NC-SA license as the original, and include on every digital page view the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/pharmacology/pages/1-introduction

Citation information

The information below includes the information needed to generate citations in most major styles (APA, MLA, etc.); you must reformat and organize the information as needed to fit the requirements of the style. Use the information below to generate a citation. We recommend using a citation tool such as this one.

© Apr 23, 2026 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo, and Rice University name, and Rice University logo trademarks, or wordmarks are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.