Non-Ergot Dopamine Receptor Agonists

Non-ergot dopamine receptor agonists directly stimulate dopamine receptors to provide their effect. These medications can be used to delay the need for initiation of carbidopa/levodopa and can decrease the required dose of carbidopa/levodopa to maintain symptom control. These medications do not cause fibrosis as seen in the ergot dopamine receptor agonist group.

Class Drugs

• Apomorphine

• Pramipexole

• Ropinirole

• Rotigotine

Class Mechanism of Action:

Stimulates primarily dopamine receptors.

Class Application

Parkinson's Disease

• Used in patients who have not started taking carbidopa/levodopa (delays need for levodopa) or in advanced Parkinson's.

Class Adverse Effects

Sedation

Hallucinations

Nausea

Hypotension

Confusion

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Apomorphine	Parkinson's Disease	Only available as injectable form; Used in advanced Parkinson's for acute symptoms	"Pomegranate" "Morphing Caterpillar"
Pramipexole	Parkinson's Disease	Oral formulation	"Person praying" and "oiling their pectorals"
Ropinirole	Parkinson's Disease	Oral formulation	"Rope" in a "Roll"
Rotigotine	Parkinson's Disease	Transdermal daily patch providing steady drug levels	"Rotini" in a "Guillotine"