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Papers And Originals

Bromocriptine in Parkinsonism

Br Med J 1974; 4 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.4.5942.442 (Published 23 November 1974) Cite this as: Br Med J 1974;4:442
  1. D. B. Calne,
  2. P. F. Teychenne,
  3. L. E. Claveria,
  4. R. Eastman,
  5. J. K. Greenacre,
  6. A. Petrie

    Abstract

    Bromocriptine, a drug acting directly upon dopaminergic receptors, has been found to have a significant therapeutic action in a double-blind study of 20 patients with idiopathic Parkinsonism who were already receiving conventional therapy, including levodopa. Neurological deficits improved by almost 20% in severely disabled patients; amelioration of mildly affected patients was about 10%. Adverse reactions were similar to those encountered with levodopa—they were all dose-dependent and reversible. These observations are discussed in relation to certain theoretical advantages which might be expected from a drug which acts directly on dopaminergic receptors.