Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PERGOLIDE - ORAL

(PURR-go-lide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Permax

Uses

This medication is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is used along with levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa to make it more effective.

How To Use

Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Stopping this drug suddenly may cause you to experience unwanted side effects.

Side Effects

Headache, nausea, dizziness, constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth or drowsiness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Report promptly: trouble moving or walking, hallucinations, confusion, severe muscle stiffness, trouble sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly: new pains (including chest pain or pressure), restlessness, vision problems, fever. In rare instances, this medication may cause very serious heart valve problems or swelling around the heart and lungs (e.g., pleural fibrosis or effusion, pericarditis). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: chest pain, fainting, unusually slow or fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, leg or foot swelling, unusual weakness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are: allergic to ergot-type medications (e.g., ergotamine). Tell your doctor if you have: heart disease (e.g., abnormal heart rhythms, heart valve problems), lung problems, hallucinations, mental confusion, difficulty walking, allergies, kidney disease, low blood pressure. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Use caution when performing tasks requiring mental alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol use because it may intensify the drowsiness and dizziness effects of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: metoclopramide, medication for psychosis/anxiety/depression, other drugs used for Parkinson's, cimetidine, sleep medication, certain muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, unusual dizziness or fainting, tingling or uncontrolled movement of the arms and legs, rapid or irregular pulse, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures.

Notes

It may take a few weeks for full effects of this medication to be noticed. Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.