L-Dopa, Requip, Symmetrel, Tasar are used for palliation of symptoms in Parkinson disease. Which pharmacologic class do they belong to?

• A. Anti-inflammatory
• B. Antiparkinsonian
• C. Antiulcer
• D. Antipyretic

Answer: (B)

These drugs all fall into the antiparkinsonian class, meaning they work to relieve Parkinson disease symptoms by boosting dopaminergic activity in the brain. Levodopa acts as a dopamine precursor, restoring dopamine levels that are deficient in the striatum. Ropinirole, the Requip preparation, is a dopamine receptor agonist that directly stimulates dopamine receptors to compensate for the lack of endogenous dopamine. Amantadine, sold as Symmetrel, increases dopamine release and modulates neurotransmission, and also has NMDA receptor–blocking effects that can help reduce certain motor symptoms. Tolcapone, marketed as Tasmar, inhibits the enzyme COMT, reducing peripheral breakdown of levodopa and thereby prolonging its effect in the brain.

Together, these mechanisms all aim to improve motor function in Parkinson disease rather than addressing inflammation, ulcers, or fever, which is why they are categorized as antiparkinsonian agents.