Prascend

Pergolide mesylate (dopamine agonist) FDA-approved for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID/Equine Cushing's disease) in horses. Dopamine agonist (pergolide mesylate). Mechanism: D2/D1 dopamine receptor agonist → stimulates dopaminergic inhibitory neurons in hypothalamus and pars intermedia → reduces POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) production and ACTH hypersecretion → treats PPID (Equine Cushing's disease) by restoring dopaminergic suppression of the hypertrophied pars intermedia. Once-daily oral tablet. Key information Pergolide — dopamine agonist for equine PPID (Cushing's). Store at room temperature. May cause anorexia at initiation — split dose or start low. Monitor ACTH levels. Lifelong therapy.

Oral tablet (horses): administer once daily. May be added to feed (moistened with water or applesauce) or administered via syringe into the mouth. Weigh and mix accurately for low doses. If anorexia develops, reduce dose and titrate up slowly. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one. Pergolide may cause anorexia at initiation — contact your veterinarian if appetite does not return after dose adjustment.

GI: anorexia, depression (initial — usually resolves within 2–4 weeks); reduce dose temporarily if severe. Laminitis (rarely reported with therapy — most likely underlying disease related). Behavioral changes. Endocrine: rare hypoprolactinemia.

For animals Begin at low dose (0.002 mg/kg/day) and titrate every 4–6 weeks based on clinical signs and ACTH levels. Initial side effect (anorexia/depression) is common — reduce dose and titrate up slowly. Monitor ACTH levels or dexamethasone suppression test every 6 months. Annual TRH stimulation test to monitor PPID progression. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Ergot alkaloid (pergolide) — wear gloves when handling. Do not crush or break tablets — avoid inhalation of dust. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Ergot derivatives can cause vasospasm. Keep out of reach of children.

Contact your veterinarian. Pergolide overdose causes nausea, low blood pressure, and behavioral changes. Supportive care as needed.