Pramipexole extended-release (once-daily formulation) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
BACKGROUND
Immediate-release pramipexole (P-IR) is indicated three times daily for the symptomatic treatment of early and advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). An extended-release formulation of pramipexole (P-ER) has been developed to allow a once-daily formulation and to provide more stable dopaminergic stimulation.


METHODS
This review summarizes clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of P-ER for the treatment of early and advanced PD. The advantages and disadvantages of the strategies available at present for achieving continuous dopaminergic stimulation in the treatment of PD are discussed first. The pharmacological properties are then summarized. Finally, the clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of P-ER are described.


RESULTS
The reader will gain knowledge of the development of P-ER, its current place in the pharmacotherapy of PD, and future directions.


CONCLUSIONS
P-ER has been shown to be efficacious in early and advanced PD and it has the same clinical profile when administered once daily as P-IR administered three times daily. An overnight switching of P-IR to dose-equivalent P-ER is successful in 80% of patients with early PD.
Perez Lloret
Santiago
S
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toulouse, Faculty of Medicine, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France.
Rascol
Olivier
O
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D052160:Benzothiazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077487:Pramipexole
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D052160:Benzothiazoles; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000077487:Pramipexole