Dopamine agonists

Dopamine agonists have been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) since the mid 1970s. With the approval of two new agents in 1997, the number available in the United States is up to four; bromocriptine, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole. These agents differ in dopamine receptor affinities and chemical structure, which, in turn, may possibly result in differences in efficacy tolerability and safety. Dopamine have historically been used in combination with levodopa in patients with advanced PD, but indicators are now expanding. With is expansion comes increasing controversy. This article reviews dopamine receptor pharmacology and the results of the clinical trials that have used for agonists available in the United States as well as a discussion of three minor agonists.