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Terguride in parkinsonism. A multicenter trial.
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Pediatrics, Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia.
European Archives of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Terguride, a dopaminergic drug, showed significant motor improvements in parkinsonism patients. However, high withdrawal rates due to side effects like nausea and vomiting limit its use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Terguride, an ergoline derivative, exhibits mixed dopaminergic activity, suggesting potential in treating both schizophrenia and parkinsonism.
- Parkinsonism, often idiopathic or vascular, presents motor deficits that necessitate effective therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Terguride in patients with parkinsonism.
- To assess the impact of Terguride on motor function and adverse effects in a clinical trial setting.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week, open-label, multicenter trial involving 65 inpatients and outpatients with parkinsonism.
- Progressive dosage of Terguride, adjusted based on clinical response, with assessments using Simpson and Angus scales and the Spiral Drawing Task.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in the Simpson and Angus scale scores (20%) and Spiral Drawing Task performance (38%).
- High withdrawal rates (25% inpatients, 61% outpatients) were primarily due to nausea, vomiting, and lack of efficacy.
- Constipation (42%), drowsiness (16%), and nausea (16%) were the most frequent adverse events; circulatory effects were minimal.
Conclusions:
- Terguride demonstrated efficacy in improving motor symptoms of parkinsonism.
- The drug's tolerability is a concern, with significant dropout rates attributed to adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal issues.