Controlled trial of pergolide mesylate in Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy.
We evaluated pergolide in 22 patients with Parkinson's disease and 3 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). After achieving an optimal dose of pergolide and Sinemet, a matching placebo was substituted in double-blind manner. The mean dose of levodopa (in Sinemet) was reduced by 68%; in eight patients, pergolide completely replaced levodopa. In parkinsonian patients, the mean Hoehn-Yahr stage decreased from 3.2 to 1.6, and the mean total disability score decreased from 48.3 to 17.8. In 10 patients with on-off phenomenon, the time on increased 174% with pergolide. There was little effect in PSP. Postural light-headedness and reversible mental changes were seen.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010244:Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004873:Ergolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010479:Pergolide; D010919:Placebos
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D004873:Ergolines; D010919:Placebos; D010479:Pergolide; D007980:Levodopa