Bromocriptine in Parkinson's disease: a study of cardiovascular effects. Issue 5 (May 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quinn, N; Illas, A; Lhermitte, F; Agid, Y
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 44:Issue 5(1981)
• Page Start: 426
• Page End: 429
• Publication Date: 1981-05
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.44.5.426
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Blood pressure and pulse rate were studied in 20 Parkinsonian patients on no treatment, and during treatment with bromocriptine (mean dosage 148 mg/day) as the sole anti-Parkinsonian therapy. The drug was shown to reduce erect systolic and diastolic and supine systolic blood pressure and to increase erect pulse rate, in a predictable dose-dependent manner. The occurrence of episodes of significant postural hypotension was less predictable and was a transitory phenomenon in all patients. Peripheral dopamine receptor blockade with domperidone did not alter the findings, suggesting that the principal mechanism for these cardiovascular effects is a central dopaminergic one.