[Pharmacological treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson's diseases]

Since the 1960s many substance classes have been introduced for treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The most important and effective medication is levodopa (L-dopa) always in combination with a decarboxylase inhibitor. In addition, dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors, catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, N‑methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and very rarely anticholinergics are administered depending on the motor symptoms, age and a multitude of other factors. Fortunately, within the substance classes there are various preparations, which also have different effects. In order that the advantages of the individual medications can be exploited and undesired effects and interactions can be avoided, one must come to terms with the complex data and the pharmacology of the medication. In addition important aspects are interactions and reciprocal actions. In the foreseeable future, different substance classes are to be expected.