Budipin is an active drug ingredient used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is effective at any stage of the disease and can be optimally combined with other anti-Parkinson drugs. Most importantly, Budipin reduces the tremors typical of those with the disease and significantly improves slowed movements.
What is Budipin?
Budipin is a drug substance used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Budipin is used to treat Parkinson’s disease at all stages. This disease is characterized by tremor, lack of movement and muscle rigidity. The active ingredient primarily helps to combat the tremor that causes the disease-specific shaking. In addition, the general mobility of those affected is positively changed. The substance itself cannot be assigned to any particular group of active ingredients. It contains anticholinergic and serotonergic as well as dopaminergic and antagonistic properties. However, it is above all the NMDA antagonistic functional mechanisms that prove to be particularly effective in Parkinson’s disease. These NMDA antagonists inhibit the action of glutamate. This neurotransmitter is present in high concentrations in Parkinson’s patients in particular. Overall, then, Budipin must be classified among the dopamine receptor agonists, the MAO inhibitors, and the NMDA receptor antagonists.
Pharmacologic action
The available drugs for Parkinson’s disease can ensure that the imbalance of various neurotransmitters in the brain can be balanced. Through this, they help to enable the transmission of information from one cell to another. The mechanism of action of Budipin is only partially known. The drug penetrates the blood–brain barrier. On the one hand, it stimulates dopamine receptors, mimicking the action of dopamine. On the other hand, the active ingredient ensures that the neurotransmitter glutamate is only released in an inhibited manner. This prevents the uptake of dopamine into the nerve cell. Budipin also affects the enzyme monoaminooxidase (MAO), which can have an additional reinforcing effect on dopamine. Drugs containing budipine promote the influence of almost all messenger systems in the brain that are affected in Parkinson’s disease. The two main effects of the drug include a reduction in tremor and a movement-enhancing effect. Clinical data on the efficacy of the agent are limited. The half-life of the agent is 31 hours. A detailed cardiac evaluation is necessary before starting therapy. Budipin-containing drugs can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in individual cases. Due to these negative effects on the heart, patients must sign a written commitment to regular ECG checks before starting therapy. An ECG must be written not only at the beginning of therapy, but also after one week and after three weeks following the initial medication. Thereafter, an examination should be performed at least annually.
Medical application and use
Budipin is most suitable for the treatment of mild cases of illness. It is also suitable for combination treatment with other Parkinson’s medications, so it can be used for more advanced stages. In mild cases, it can also be used alone. Usually, therapy begins with an administration of 10mg, although the dose can be increased up to 3x20mg. The maximum daily dose is 30mg three times. Parkinson’s disease treatment with Budipin should be started gradually. By increasing the dose slowly, side effects can be kept to a minimum. The drug should be taken in the morning or during the morning. Use after 4 p.m. should be avoided, as late medication increases the risk for possible sleep disturbances. To avoid life-threatening conditions such as ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrhythmias, contraindications must be strictly observed during treatment. ECG checks as well as balancing of electrolyte balance must be performed. If patients experience abnormally fast and irregular heartbeats (palpitations), complain of dizziness or brief loss of consciousness, the drug must be discontinued immediately. In the case of targeted discontinuation, the drug must be phased out slowly.The development of Parkinson’s disease has not yet been adequately clarified. Targeted prevention is not possible. However, both a healthy lifestyle and sufficient exercise and mental activities can probably delay the onset of the disease.
Risks and side effects
From experience, taking Budipin creates an anticholinergic disruptive effect that manifests itself in the form of dry mouth and also problems urinating. Dizziness, restlessness and fatigue may also occur. Other negative side effects include headaches, loss of appetite, hot flashes as well as visual disturbances. In some cases, nightmares as well as confusion and hallucinations may occur. Budipin may only be prescribed by physicians who stipulate in writing that they will strictly adhere to the prescribed precautions. In addition to regular ECG checks and under strict consideration of contraindications, this also includes balancing of electrolytes. Budipin must not be taken under certain circumstances. Contraindications include heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias (including AV block and ventricular arrhythmias), cardiac slowing (bradycardia), and cardiomyopathy, as well as the neuromuscular disorder myasthenia gravis and potassium and magnesium deficiency.
