Dopamine Agonists

This is not a complete list of all potential side effects. For full details on each drug and its possible side effects, review the package insert from your pharmacist.

Parkinson’s medications may have interactions with certain foods, other prescribed medications, over-the-counter cold medications, vitamins, herbal supplements and other remedies. These can sometimes be dangerous and even life-threatening. Anyone taking a PD medication should make sure their doctor and pharmacist know about all their prescribed and over-the-counter treatments.

This medication is also available as a longer-acting form.

Strengths: 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg

Typical Treatment: 1.5 to 4.5 mg total daily dose (3 times per day)

Indications for Use:  Used on its own or in combination with other medications for PD symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor, etc.)

This medication is also available as a longer-acting form.

Strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg

Typical Treatment: 12 to 16 mg total daily dose (3 times by mouth daily)

Indications for Use: Used on its own or in combination with other medications for PD symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor, etc.)

This is a fast-acting medication that is injected under the skin (subcutaneous), administered by the person with Parkinson’s or a care partner.  

Strengths: 30 mg/3 mL vial

Typical Treatment: The starting dose is 0.2 mL (2 mg) and may be adjusted up to 0.6 mL (6mg) by a doctor. It is used during “off” periods, when movement becomes more difficult as levodopa wears off. Anti-nausea medication is recommended for three days before starting the medication.

Side Effects Specific to This Form: Redness and bruising at the injection site

Indications for Use: Used in combination with other Parkinson’s medications as needed for "off" periods.

This medication is delivered through a patch applied daily to a different area of the skin, commonly on the upper arm, torso, abdomen or thigh.

Strengths:  1 mg/24 hr, 2 mg/24 hr, 3 mg/24 hr, 4 mg/24 hr, 6 mg/24, 8 mg/24 hr

Typical Treatment: 2mg/24 hr to 8 mg/24 hr patch once daily

Side Effects Specific to This Form: Skin rashes

Indications for Use: Used on its own or in combination with other medications for PD symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor, etc.)

This medication is delivered through a wearable infusion device, about the size of a large smartphone. The device connects to a thin tube and small needle placed under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or lower back.

Strengths: 98 mg/20 mL in single-dose cartridges

Typical Treatment:

The maximum recommended total daily dose, including both the continuous dose and any extra doses, is 98 mg, typically spread out over the waking hours of the day. Anti-nausea medication may be recommended during treatment.

Side Effects Specific to This Form: Skin irritation at the infusion site

Indications for Use: For treating movement (motor) fluctuations in people with advanced Parkinson’s

Special Note: Onapgo received FDA approval in February 2025 and is expected to be available later this year.