Zygolide (pergolide tablets) for Horses

Description 

Zygolide (pergolide tablets) is a prescription oral medication used to help control clinical signs associated with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing’s disease, in horses. It contains pergolide, a dopamine receptor agonist, and is the first FDA-approved generic pergolide for equine use. Zygolide is administered orally once daily as directed by a veterinarian and is available by prescription only.

Administration 

Dosage should be adjusted to effect under veterinary supervision and should not exceed 4 mcg/kg daily. Zygolide tablets are administered orally once daily. The tablets are scored, and the calculated dose should be rounded to the nearest one-half tablet increment.

Pergolide tablets may cause eye irritation, an unpleasant odor, or headache if tablets are split or crushed. Zygolide tablets should not be crushed due to the potential for increased human exposure. When splitting tablets, care should be taken to minimize direct handling and exposure.

Warnings 

Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Keep Zygolide in a secure location out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. Dogs have been reported to ingest pergolide tablets that were mixed with horse feed or dropped during administration. Adverse reactions may occur of if Zygolide tablets are ingested by animals other than horses. 

Precautions

Treatment with Zygolide may cause decreased appetite (inappetence). The safety of Zygolide in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses has not been evaluated. The effects of pergolide mesylate in these populations are unknown; however, its pharmacologic activity suggests it may interfere with reproductive functions, including lactation.