Lisuride versus bromocriptine treatment in Parkinson disease: a double-blind study

Twenty-eight parkinsonian patients were studied in a double-blind, crossover comparison of lisuride and bromocriptine. All but two patients completed the study, with each drug adjusted to an optimal dose (mean daily intake of 4.5 mg for lisuride and 56.5 mg for bromocriptine). Treatment with each drug was given for 7 to 10 weeks; three assessments were made at biweekly intervals with optimal dose levels. Conventional antiparkinsonian medications, including levodopa, were not changed. Efficacy and adverse effects were assessed by objective and subjective techniques. The only significant difference was slightly better control of akinesia with bromocriptine. There was considerable variability in the optimal dose of each drug, though the clinical profile of lisuride was quite similar to that of bromocriptine.