Bromocriptine combined with levodopa in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract

Bromocriptine (Parlodel) was given for 2 years to 17 parkinsonian patients showing inadequate response to treatment over a mean of 7 years with levodopa combined with a decarboxylase inhibitor. 11 of the patients had developed dyskinesia and 13 the on-off phenomenon during levodopa therapy. When the dose of bromocriptine reached 30 mg daily, after 4 weeks' treatment, a highly significant improvement (p less than 0.001) was observed in the following six variables: bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, feeding, dressing and speech. These improvements have now been maintained for 2 years. The on-off phenomenon disappeared in 9 out of 13 patients. Side effects were mild and transient. Involuntary movements existing prior to bromocriptine administration were improved by reducing the dose of levodopa. The mean daily dose--after progressive and individual adjustment--was 46 mg bromocriptine combined with 435 mg levodopa plus decarboxylase inhibitor.

• Authors: G Gauthier, A Martins da Silva
• Journal: European neurology (Eur Neurol) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 217-26 ( 1982) ISSN: 0014-3022 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 7117308 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Bromocriptine
• Levodopa

Topics

• Aged
• Bromocriptine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Humans
• Levodopa (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Motor Skills
• Parkinson Disease (drug therapy)