D2 agonist
D2 dopamine receptor agonist
- If BBB-crossing:
- ↑ nigrostriatal dopamine signaling → facilitates movement
- Excess activation → psychosis and impulse-control disorders
- Suppresses prolactin release
- Chemoreceptor trigger-zone stimulation → nausea
- Treatment of parkinsonism and restless legs syndrome (RLS)
- Prolactin-lowering effect
- D2 overactivation:
- ➔ psychosis
- ➔ repetitive, stereotyped, or compulsive motor behavior, e.g., tics
Drugs with this mechanism (7)
- Apomorphine — D2/D3 agonist rescue for Parkinson OFF episodes; nausea and hypotension complicate use.
- Bromocriptine — Ergot dopamine agonist for prolactinomas and Parkinson disease; also used in diabetes.
- Cabergoline — Long-acting dopamine agonist for prolactinomas; valvulopathy at high dose.
- Dopamine — Dose-sensitive endogenous catecholamine agonist used IV for selected shock and hypotension.
- Pramipexole — Dopamine agonist for Parkinson and restless legs; impulse-control disorders.
- Ropinirole — D2/D3 agonist for Parkinson disease and restless legs; impulse-control risk.
- Rotigotine — Transdermal dopamine agonist for Parkinson and restless legs.
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