The safety of dopamine agonists in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2008 Mar;7(2):111-27. doi: 10.1517/14740338.7.2.111.

Abstract

Dopamine agonists are highly effective as adjunctive therapy to levodopa in advanced Parkinson's disease. These drugs have rapidly gained popularity as a monotherapy in the early stages of Parkinson's disease for patients < 65-70 years old, because they are about as effective as levodopa, but patients demonstrate a lower tendency to develop motor complications. However, dopamine agonists could have peripheral and central side effects, which are often the reason for the discontinuation of the treatment. This review focuses on the potential negative effects related to the use of dopamine agonists in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiparkinson Agents* / adverse effects
  • Antiparkinson Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antiparkinson Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Dopamine Agonists* / adverse effects
  • Dopamine Agonists* / pharmacology
  • Dopamine Agonists* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Levodopa