PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

27th February 2010 - New research

THE CHOICE OF DOPAMINE AGONISTS FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Drug Safety [2010] 33 (2) : 147-161 (Kulisevsky J, Pagonabarraga J.) Complete abstract
                                                                                                                                                                                 The tolerability and safety of ropinirole (Requip) in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, was compared to those of other dopamine agonists  (bromocriptine, cabergoline, pramipexole, rotigotine, pergolide), the use of a placebo, and when used alongside L-dopa. Thirty three years worth of clinical trials were assessed. In all the studies included, dopamine agonists, including ropinirole (Requip), exhibited a higher likelihood of adverse events than the use of a placebo. The occurrence of constipation when using ropinirole (Requip) was only 55% of that of bromocriptine (Parlodel), and 25% of that of L-dopa. There was no difference between ropinirole (Requip) and rotigotine (Neupro) regarding constipation and dyskinesia. For nausea, pergolide (Permax) was worse than ropinirole (Requip), but only narrowly. Both were worse than rotigotine (Neupro). All were clearly worse than the use of a placebo. Ropinirole (Requip) was worse than pramipexole (Mirapex) regarding  nausea, dizziness, sleepiness and dyskinesia. Worst for hallucinations was pergolide (Permax) then rotigotine (Neupro), then pramipexole (Mirapex), and finally ropinirole (Requip). Hallucinations were far more likely than when taking a placebo. Confusion and constipation were far worse with pramipexole (Mirapex) compared with placebo. For more current news go to Parkinson's Disease News.

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Parkinson's Disease News details all significant new research, news reports, new books, and new resources concerning Parkinson's Disease and those medical disorders that often coincide with Parkinson's Disease. It is compiled from an analysis of  all newly published research, news reports, new clinical trials, all newly published books, and new web sites. A summary and analysis of the new research are provided,  as well as links to the complete abstracts and news reports.