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What is the most important information I should know about pergolide?

Pergolide was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 29, 2007.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pergolide may cause drowsiness or low blood pressure (leading to dizziness and other symptoms), especially when rising from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution when performing hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stop taking pergolide without first talking to your doctor. Stopping pergolide suddenly may cause potentially dangerous side effects such as elevated body temperature, muscle rigidity, confusion or altered consciousness, and other problems.

What is pergolide?

Pergolide was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 29, 2007.

Pergolide is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is associated with low levels of a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) in the brain. Pergolide has some of the same effects as dopamine in the body.

Pergolide is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control of Parkinson's disease. Pergolide is often used in conjunction with other medicines in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Pergolide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pergolide?

Do not take pergolide without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to another similar medication such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ercaf, Cafergot) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E, Migranal).

Before taking pergolide, tell your doctor if you have

• lung or breathing problems such as inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleuritis), fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion), or scar tissue in the lungs (pleural fibrosis);

• heart problems such as inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericarditis), fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion), heart valve problems, or irregular heartbeats;

• retroperitoneal fibrosis (a chronic inflammatory disease); or

• kidney or liver disease.

You may not be able to take pergolide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Pergolide is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take pergolide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pergolide passes into breast milk. Do not take pergolide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pergolide?

Take pergolide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

It is important to take pergolide regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not stop taking pergolide without first talking to your doctor. Stopping pergolide suddenly may cause potentially dangerous side effects such as elevated body temperature, muscle rigidity, confusion or altered consciousness, and other problems.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with pergolide to monitor progress and side effects.

Store pergolide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a pergolide overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, fainting, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching, uncontrollable movements, a tingling sensation, and irregular heartbeats.