Efficacy of a low-dose subcutaneous lisuride infusion in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Five parkinsonian patients with motor fluctuations and dyskinesia after long-term treatment with levodopa were treated with subcutaneous lisuride infusion (0.24-0.42 mg/day) together with oral levodopa for a mean period of 27 (range 13-36) months. All 5 patients showed marked initial improvement in mobility. Mild psychiatric side effects were observed in three patients; however, these side effects disappeared with reduction in the dosage of lisuride to 0.06 mg per day without a significant increase in motor fluctuations. A low dose of subcutaneous lisuride infusion with oral levodopa is an effective treatment for fluctuations of motor performance in parkinsonian patients without adverse psychiatric effects.