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Pergolide was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 29, 2007.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 does pergolide look like?

Pergolide 0.25 mg-TEV

Pergolide 0.05 mg-TEV

Pergolide 1 mg-TEV
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 of pergolide?
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.
Where can I get more information about pergolide?
Your pharmacist has information about pergolide written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pergolide?
Stop taking pergolide and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
irregular heartbeats;
-
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real),
confusion, or altered consciousness; or
-
dizziness (especially when rising from a sitting or lying
position).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take pergolide and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or decreased appetite;
-
diarrhea or constipation;
-
dry mouth;
-
drowsiness;
-
insomnia; or
-
agitation or anxiety.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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 should I avoid while taking pergolide?
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.
Pergolide may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, other
anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Tell your doctor about all medicines
that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
What other drugs will affect pergolide?
Before taking pergolide, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril),
promazine (Sparine), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and others;
-
haloperidol (Haldol);
-
thiothixene (Navane); or
-
metoclopramide (Reglan).
You may not be able to take pergolide, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Pergolide may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, other
anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Tell your doctor about all medicines
that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pergolide. Do not take any other
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, without first talking to
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of pergolide?