Generic name: Pergolide

Why is this medication prescribed?
Pergolide is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Pergolide usually is taken with a medication called levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) to make it more effective.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?
Pergolide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Initially it usually is taken once a day with food or milk, and then the dose may be increased gradually to three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pergolide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You may have to take pergolide for a few weeks before you feel its full effects.

Continue to take pergolide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pergolide without talking to your doctor. Stopping pergolide suddenly can cause severe symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking pergolide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pergolide or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antipsychotic medications such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promethazine (Phenergan), thioridazine (Mellaril), or thiothixene (Navane); anti-anxiety medications or antidepressant medications; droperidol (Inapsine, Innovar) given to reduce nausea; metoclopramide (Reglan); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease or an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat), or a history of confusion or difficulty with movement (dyskinesia).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking pergolide, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Pergolide may cause an upset stomach. Take pergolide with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from pergolide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• loss of appetite
• heartburn
• constipation
• diarrhea
• rash
• dry mouth
• restlessness
• twitching or tremor
• anxiety
• depression
• sleepiness or decreased alertness
• confusion
• headache
• weakness
• numbness
• runny nose
• swelling of the feet or hands (edema or fluid retention)
• body aches and pains
• dizziness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• chest pain
• rapid or pounding heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty urinating
• difficulty moving
• difficulty speaking
• vision changes
• hallucinations
• fever
• muscular rigidity or stiffness
• change in consciousness

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.