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Parkinson's time-critical medicines — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsParkinson's time-critical medicinesGPhC CRA

A care home sends a MAR chart showing co-careldopa 25/100mg five times daily for a resident with Parkinson's disease. The lunchtime dose has been omitted twice because the medicines round was delayed. The resident becomes rigid and confused. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: B — Treat the medicine as time critical and contact the prescriber or urgent service

Parkinson's medicines are time critical and missed doses can cause severe motor deterioration or neuroleptic malignant-like syndromes. Rigidity and confusion after omitted doses require urgent clinical advice. Delaying or withholding further dopaminergic treatment may worsen the situation. Administration changes, including crushing modified-release preparations, need formulation-specific advice and prescriber input.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Parkinson's disease