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Published on: October 4, 2021
Pramipexole extended release: in Parkinson's disease
Claudine M Chwieduk1, Monique P Curran
1Adis, a Wolters Kluwer Business, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
CNS Drugs
|March 20, 2010
Summary
Pramipexole extended release (ER) offers effective once-daily treatment for Parkinson's disease symptoms. This formulation provides stable plasma concentrations, improving motor function and reducing off-time with good tolerability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist used for Parkinson's disease.
- Extended-release (ER) formulations aim to improve drug delivery and patient adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of once-daily pramipexole ER in early and advanced Parkinson's disease.
- To compare pramipexole ER to immediate-release (IR) formulation and placebo.
Main Methods:
- Three well-designed trials assessed pramipexole ER in adult patients with Parkinson's disease.
- Efficacy was measured by changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores and 'off-time'.
- A switching study evaluated the transition from pramipexole IR to ER.
Main Results:
- Pramipexole ER significantly improved UPDRS scores in both early and advanced Parkinson's disease.
- Patients experienced a reduction in 'off-time' and stable efficacy over 33 weeks.
- The ER formulation demonstrated fewer plasma concentration fluctuations compared to IR.
- Adverse event rates were similar between pramipexole ER and IR.
Conclusions:
- Once-daily pramipexole ER is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for Parkinson's disease.
- The ER formulation offers a convenient dosing schedule with stable drug exposure.
- Pramipexole ER successfully manages motor symptoms and improves quality of life for Parkinson's patients.
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