Products
Pergolide (Permax) had been approved in tablet form in many countries since 1997. On Sept. 30, 2011, Permax went off the market in many countries. The reason given for the market withdrawal was a fire at the packaging plant. Other dopamine agonists are available as alternatives.
Structure and properties
Pergolide (C19H26N2S, Mr = 314.5 g/mol) is present in drugs as pergolide mesilate, a white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water.
Effects
Pergolide (ATC N04BC02) has dopaminergic properties and inhibits prolactin secretion. It causes an increase in somatotropin levels and a decrease in LH levels. The effect is due to an angonist action at the D1, D2, and D3 dopamine receptors.
Indications
Parkinson’s disease
