Pergolide Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Pergolide is an FDA-approved preparation containing Pergolide, for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
Veterinarians most commonly consider pergolide for the management of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), a condition historically referred to as equine Cushing’s disease. Pergolide mesylate is the active ingredient in Prascend®, the FDA-approved commercial tablet for horses. Mixlab also compounds pergolide into alternative strengths and specialized dosage forms when a veterinarian determines a customized preparation better suits an individual patient's needs. By addressing the underlying endocrine imbalance, your veterinarian can monitor the horse’s physiological stability over time.
At a pharmacological level, pergolide acts as a selective agonist at dopamine receptors, specifically targeting the D2 subtype. In horses with PPID, the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus leads to an overproduction of hormones by the pituitary gland. Pergolide functions by mimicking the inhibitory effects of dopamine on the pituitary gland, which suppresses the excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This mechanism helps regulate the endocrine environment and stop the progression of clinical signs like a curly coat (hirsutism) or abnormal fat deposits. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate testing protocol to ensure the medication remains suitable for your horse's individual health status.
The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.
Commonly observed effects of pergolide administration include a temporary decrease in appetite, which is sometimes referred to as the "pergolide perk" by owners when it coincides with a transition in behavior. Other effects can include lethargy, mild gastrointestinal upset or changes in hair coat quality as the body adjusts to the prescription. If you notice a significant or persistent lack of interest in food, your veterinarian may suggest a temporary adjustment to the management approach.
This medication is typically used with caution in horses with known hypersensitivity to ergot derivatives or those currently receiving other medications that influence dopamine levels. It is also carefully evaluated in pregnant or lactating mares, as the effects of dopamine agonists on reproductive hormones and milk production must be factored into the clinical plan. Provide your veterinarian with a complete history of all other supplements and prescriptions your horse is receiving to avoid potential interactions. Contact your veterinarian promptly if you observe any unexpected behavioral changes, signs of foot soreness or significant weight loss during the administration period.
Yes. Pergolide mesylate is a prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all prescriptions before any medication is prepared or sent to your home or stable.
Yes. While pergolide is available in a commercial tablet form approved for horses, Mixlab can compound this medication into various strengths and dosage forms—such as flavored oral liquids or capsules—if your veterinarian determines a customized preparation is necessary. The decision between a commercial and compounded product rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians consider pergolide for horses with Cushing’s (PPID) because it acts on the dopamine receptors to help regulate the pituitary gland. Clinical awareness of this condition has increased, leading to more frequent discussions about using pergolide to manage the hormonal imbalances seen in aging equine populations.
The "pergolide perk" is a term some owners use to describe a temporary decrease in appetite or a brief period of lethargy seen when a horse first starts the medication. This effect is often transient, and your veterinarian can provide guidance on how to manage your horse's diet during this initial transition period.
