Medicine & USMLE

Bromocriptine (Ergot Dopamine Agonists)

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Other Neuro Pharm
  1. Ramelteon
  2. Triptans
  3. Benzodiazepines - Function
  4. Zolpidem Zaleplon Eszopiclone
  5. Suvorexant
  6. Bromocriptine (Ergot Dopamine Agonists)
  7. Pramipexole, Ropinirole
  8. Amantadine
  9. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  10. Entacapone, Tolcapone
  11. Selegiline and Rasagiline
  12. Benztropine, Trihexyphenidyl
  13. Tetrabenazine
  14. Baclofen
  15. Memantine
  16. Riluzole
  17. Full Opioid Agonists
  18. Partial Opioid Agonists
  19. Dextromethorphan
  20. Tramadol
  21. Naloxone
  22. Naltrexone

Summary

Bromocriptine is a drug used to treat Parkinson’s Disease. There are other drugs in the same class as bromocriptine, such as cabergoline and pergolide, but these are less commonly tested.  Bromocriptine works by activating D2 dopamine receptors.  This activation of dopamine receptors is useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, hyperprolactinemia, as well as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Bromocriptine has a few nonspecific side effects including headaches, nausea, fatigue, and constipation. A rare side effect of bromocriptine is Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Key Points

  • Bromocriptine, cabergoline, pergolide
    • MOA
      • Ergot dopamine agonist
        • Acts selectively on D2 receptors to mimic endogenous dopamine activity
    • Clinical use
      • Parkinson disease
        • Parkinsonism is due to loss of dopaminergic neurons and excess cholinergic activity
        • Delay need for levodopa in Parkinson’s
      • Hyperprolactinemia (used as 1st line agent)
        • Dopamine tonically inhibits prolactin secretion at anterior pituitary gland in non-pregnant and non-lactating patients
      • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
        • Dopamine agonist activity overcomes neuroleptic-induced dopaminergic blockade
    • Adverse effects
      • Anticholinergic effects
      • Raynaud Phenomenon