Case Evaluation

Pergolide (Permax): Pergolide FAQ

Pergolide FAQ

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

A: Pergolide was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 29, 2007.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

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

A: 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.

Q: How should I take pergolide?

A: 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.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: 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.

Q: What happens if I overdose?

A: 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.

Q: What should I avoid while taking pergolide?

A: 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.

Q: What other drugs will affect pergolide?

A: 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);
  • 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.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: Your pharmacist has more information about pergolide written for health professionals that you may read.

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