Ergot Dopamine Receptor Agonist

Bromocriptine is a medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, hyperprolactinemia, and Type II DM.  Bromocriptine stimulates dopamine receptors, which is the reason for its indication in Parkinson's disease.  Bromocriptine can reduce the release of prolactin, which is the mechanism of action in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia.  Bromocriptine has significant side effects, which limits its use.  

Class Drugs

• Bromocriptine

Class Mechanism of Action

Stimulates primarily dopamine receptors.

Class Application

Parkinson's Disease

Pituitary microadenomas

Type 2 diabetes

• Unknown mechanism of action but reduces HgA1c levels.

Hyperprolactinemia

• Stimulation of D2 receptors decreases the release of prolactin.

Class Adverse Effects

Significant and generally limits bromocriptine's use.

• Sedation

• Hallucinations

• Nausea

• Hypotension

• Confusion

• Pulmonary and retroperitoneal fibrosis

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Bromocriptine	Parkinson's DiseaseType II DMHyperprolactinemia		"Broom" and "Crypt"