Efficacy of cabergoline in long-term use: results of three observational studies in 1,500 patients with Parkinson's disease.

The tetracyclic ergoline derivative cabergoline was investigated in three studies to test its efficacy in treating the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In two studies, it was used as an add-on agent to the previous medication regimen that included other parkinsonian drugs, including levodopa. In the third study, cabergoline was switched from another dopamine agonist. All studies proved this drug's effectiveness in treating such motor symptoms as akinesia, dyskinesia, and nocturnal akinesia. Quality of life and disability in activities of daily living assessments were measured by PDQ 39 or UPDRS VI. Treatment with cabergoline showed higher efficacy and greater safety than other parkinsonian drugs.