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Pergolide

Dopamine Agonist · Antiparkinsonian

Also known as PERMAX

Dopamine AgonistAntiparkinsonian
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
4 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated
Top interactions
  • AmisulprideSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • DextropropoxypheneSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • LorcaserinSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • Sodium OxybateSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Pergolide is an ergot-derived dopamine-receptor agonist. It acts as a D1/D2 receptor agonist and is a nonselective compound that interacts with dopamine, 5-HT, and adrenergic receptors.

Indications

Monotherapy in Parkinson’s disease where dopamine-receptor agonists other than ergot derivative not appropriateAdjunctive therapy with co-beneldopa or co-careldopa in Parkinson’s disease where dopamine-receptor agonists other than ergot derivative not appropriate

Dosing

Adult
Monotherapy: Initially 50 micrograms once daily for day 1, dose to be taken at bedtime, then 50 micrograms twice daily for days 2–4, then increased in steps of 100–250 micrograms daily, dose to be increased at intervals of 3–4 days, increased to 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses at day 28, then increased in steps of up to 250 micrograms every 3–4 days, this increase to be started after day 30; maint…
Max dose
3 mg per day

Contraindications

  • Cardiac valvulopathy (exclude before treatment)
  • History of fibrotic disorders
  • Acute porphyrias
  • Hypersensitivity to ergot alkaloids

Side effects

Common
Excessive sleepinessHallucinationsImpulse control disorders (including pathological gambling, binge eating, hypersexuality)
Serious
  • Pulmonary fibrotic reactions
  • Retroperitoneal fibrotic reactions
  • Pericardial fibrotic reactions
  • Cardiac valvulopathy
  • Acute akinesia (with abrupt withdrawal)
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (with abrupt withdrawal)

Drug interactions

Amisulpride
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: antagonism

Source: DDInter

Dextropropoxyphene
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Lorcaserin
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Sodium Oxybate
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

8 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.

Related guidelines

Other Dopamine Agonist drugs

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Sources: Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-13 · House clinical team