Pergolide

Information about Pergolide

Pergolid Structural Formulae

Pergolide is an oral dopamine receptor agonist used predominantly in the therapy of Parkinson disease.

Liver safety of Pergolide

Pergolide therapy is associated with low rate of transient serum enzyme elevations during treatment and has been implicated in rare cases of acute liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Pergolide

Pergolide (per' goe lide) is an ergot derivative similar to bromocriptine which acts as a dopamine receptor agonist.  Pergolide, unlike bromocriptine, has agonist activity on both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors and acts directly on the substantia nigra. 

FDA approval information for Pergolide

Pergolide was approved for use in the United States in 1988 and has been in use since in the therapy of symptomatic Parkinson disease, usually in combination with levodopa/carbidopa. 

Dosage and administration for Pergolide

Pergolide is available in tablets of 0.05, 0.25 and 1.0 mg in generic forms and under the brand name of Permax.  The typical initiating dose of pergolide is 0.05 mg once daily for the first 2 days, with gradual increase thereafter based upon tolerance and effect.  The average therapeutic dose in clinical studies was 3 mg per day given in 3 divided doses. 

Side effects of Pergolide

Common side effects include profound hypotension (with the first dose), somnolence, fatigue, vivid dreams, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, depression, dizziness, headache, nausea and gastrointestinal upset.

Medical uses

Pharmacodynamics

• Dailymed label info on Pergolide
• FDA Pergolide