Neurological (Dopamine Agonists)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Dopamine Agonists)

Answer 1

• Apomorphine
• Pramipexole
• Bromocriptine
• Pergolide
• Rotigotine

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Dopamine Agonists)

Answer 2

• Stimulate post synaptic dopamine receptors
• Apomorphine: non selective D1 and D2 dopamine subfamily of receptors
• Pramipexole: selective D3 receptor

Question 3

Indications (Dopamine Agonists)

Answer 3

• Parkinson’s Disease

Question 4

Side effects (Dopamine Agonists)

Answer 4

• Apomorphine: pain at site of injection, nausea, vomiting

- Pramipexole: hallucinations, nausea, drowsiness, involuntary movements

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Dopamine Agonists)

Answer 5

• Apomorphine: highly emetic, hence limited use. Short half life (40 mins). Needs to be given via injection.
• Pramipexole: Cimetidine increases its toxicity, long half life (8 hrs)
• Dopamine Agonists have reduced efficacy over time

Question 6

Patient information (Dopamine Agonists)

Answer 6

• Apomorphine can only be injected

- Dopamine agonists are weaker then L-DOPA so treatment may be modified in time.