Pharmacologic updates in Parkinson’s disease treatment

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature in search of pharmacological updates related to Parkinson’s Disease. Methods: A search was carried out in the LILACS, PubMED, and SciELO databases using descriptors associated with Parkinson and pharmacotherapy. Results: A total of 9 studies from 10 different countries were included, comprising a sample of 1,986 participants. It was found that Parkinson’s Disease already has an established treatment, with levodopa being the gold standard medication. However, given the growing predisposition of individuals to the disease and the emergence of emotional and psychiatric side effects, new potential drugs—such as zonisamide, safinamide, MAOIs, rivastigmine, Origanum majorana, and Pingchan grains—are being explored to enhance patient independence and quality of life, as they alleviate not only motor symptoms but especially non-motor symptoms. Final considerations: Although Levodopa remains the primary drug of choice for treating Parkinson’s Disease, new chemical agents have emerged as alternatives in pharmacotherapy, especially for addressing psychiatric symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to support and reinforce evidence-based medical practice in the context of Parkinson’s Disease.