A review of adverse events linked to dopamine agonists in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Issue 2 (1st February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ceravolo, Roberto; Rossi, Carlo; Del Prete, Eleonora; Bonuccelli, Ubaldo
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on drug safety. Volume 15:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 181
• Page End: 198
• Publication Date: 2016-02-01
• Subjects: Dopamine agonists -- adverse effects -- Parkinson's disease -- treatment; Drugs -- Side effects -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Toxicology -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.704
• DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2016.1130128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-0338

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : 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 less than 65–70 years old since 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. Areas covered : This article presents an overview of the efficacy and the potential negative effects related to the use of dopamine agonists in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Expert opinion : Beyond the new generation non ergot dopamine agonists, no strong evidences allow the choice of a specific dopamine agonists for Parkinson 's disease treatment and by now dopamine agonists treatment should be tailored on specific adverse events profile.