Pergolide Powder
Pergolide is an FDA-approved preparation containing Pergolide, for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
Powder medications are meant to be mixed into food or treats, not given on their own (since most pets won’t lick up plain powder). The key is to mix it into something tasty so your pet eats the entire dose.
How to Give It:
- Measure the dose using the included scoop or follow the instructions. If you’re unsure how much to give, ask your vet or pharmacist.
- Mix it with a small amount of soft food or treat—like wet food, baby food (meat flavor), peanut butter (xylitol-free), yogurt, or cheese. Use just enough to hide the powder so your pet finishes it all in one go.
- Stir it well to blend the powder in evenly. Add a splash of water if needed to make it smoother.
- Offer it when your pet is a little hungry, and watch to make sure they eat the whole thing.
- If your pet refuses, try something else they love next time. For cats, you can also try smearing the paste on their paw to lick off (only if safe and comfortable).
- For large animals, mix the powder into a small portion of feed with water or molasses, then follow with the rest of their food once they’ve eaten the medicated part.
- Store the powder in a cool, dry place with the lid closed tightly.
Never give powder straight into your pet’s mouth—it can be dangerous if inhaled.
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.
