Bromocriptine
Bromocriptine, an
ergoline derivative, is a
dopamine agonist that is used in the treatment of pituitary tumors and
Parkinson's disease. One of dopamine's effects on the pituitary is as an antagonist of prolactin production by lactotrophs.
Amenorrhea, female infertility, galactorrhea, hypogonadism, and acromegaly may all be caused by pituitary problems, such as hyperprolactinaemia, and therefore, these problems may be treated by this drug. It is also used following stillbirth to suppress the mother's production of breast milk as that may add to her distress.
Encyclopedia
Bromocriptine, an
ergoline derivative, is a
dopamine agonist that is used in the treatment of pituitary tumors and
Parkinson's disease. One of dopamine's effects on the pituitary is as an antagonist of prolactin production by lactotrophs.
Amenorrhea, female infertility, galactorrhea, hypogonadism, and acromegaly may all be caused by pituitary problems, such as hyperprolactinaemia, and therefore, these problems may be treated by this drug. It is also used following stillbirth to suppress the mother's production of breast milk as that may add to her distress. Because of prolactin's role in stimulating proliferation of the
T-lymphocytes of the
immune system, bromocryptine has also been used to suppress the immune system in organ transplant patients.
Because of its effects as a dopamine agonist, bromocriptine has potential use in treating addiction to
cocaine, a drug that exhibits its own effects by blocking dopamine reuptake. Although it has negligible subjective effects when administered alone, studies show it has the potential to significantly ease the cocaine withdrawal syndrome.
External links
Notes and references
