Comparison between L-dopa and lisuride intravenous infusions: a clinical study.
L-Dopa is still the most effective drug for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, but after 5 years or more of therapy fluctuations in motor performance and abnormal involuntary movements commonly appear. Continuous intravenous infusions of L-Dopa abolish or strikingly reduce such fluctuations. Unfortunately, this is not suitable for daily treatment because of the low solubility of L-Dopa. Lisuride is a potent dopamine agonist and is very soluble in water. In this study the clinical effects of L-Dopa and lisuride continuous intravenous infusions were compared in a group of 20 fluctuating parkinsonian patients. L-Dopa controlled fluctuations in almost all the subjects, whereas only seven patients were continuously mobile while taking lisuride. Another seven patients showed a fluctuating response and the remaining six did not satisfactorily respond to lisuride. Dyskinesias were present in all patients during "on" phases, with both levodopa and lisuride treatment.
Ruggieri
S
S
Department of Neurological Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Stocchi
F
F
Carta
A
A
Bravi
D
D
Bragoni
M
M
Giorgi
L
L
Agnoli
A
A
D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004873:Ergolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008090:Lisuride / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000187:drug effects; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004873:Ergolines; D007980:Levodopa; D008090:Lisuride