Class
Dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist
Mechanism
Stimulates D2/D3 receptors, enhancing dopaminergic transmission in the mesocortical and nigrostriatal pathways
FDA-Approved Use
None in the United States (used in Europe for Parkinson’s disease)
Off-Label Use
Apathy in Parkinson’s disease (PD), cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases
Formulation
Oral tablets
Titration
50 mg p.o. daily, titrated slowly
Dose Range
50–150 mg/day
Kinetics
Hepatic metabolism; half-life ~12 hours
Common AEs
Nausea, hypotension, dizziness, somnolence
Serious/Rare AEs
Impulse-control disorders, hallucinations
Monitoring
Monitor blood pressure, psychiatric status, and impulse-control symptoms
Black Box Warning
None
Considerations
Caution in dementia or psychosis due to risk of hallucinations; monitor for impulse-control issues in Parkinson’s disease.