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.