BROMOCRIPTINE AND LEVODOPA (WITH OR WITHOUT CARBIDOPA) IN PARKINSONISM

Ronald Kartzinel, Paul Teychenne, Marjorie M. Gillespie, Mark Perlow, Andrea C. Gielen, Doris A. Sadowsky, Donald B. Calne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bromocriptine, a dopamine receptor agonist, was administered to 20 patients with idiopathic parkinsonism taking levodopa (L-dopa) or 'Sinemet' (levodopa combined with carbidopa in a 10/1 ratio) at optimum doses. In a double-blind randomised cross-over study lasting 6 months, the addition of bromocriptine (mean daily dose 79 mg) led to a significant (P<0·01) 74% reduction in the dose of sinemet and levodopa. "Total disability score" showed a significant (P<0·01) improvement at both low and high doses of bromocriptine. Tremor improved 50% (P<0·01), with significant improvements in gait, posture, writing, balance, rigidity, finger dexterity, and drooling. Adverse reactions were similar to those observed with sinemet and levodopa. Although both the cause and the cure of idiopathic parkinsonism remain elusive, bromocriptine appears to represent a therapeutic advance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)272-275
Number of pages4
JournalThe Lancet
Volume308
Issue number7980
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 7 1976
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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