Bromocriptine and endocrine disorders

Ann Intern Med. 1979 Jun;90(6):949-56. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-90-6-949.

Abstract

Bromocriptine, a dopaminergic agonist, has been used to treat many endocrine disorders. In hyperprolactinemia associated with galactorrhea, amenorrhea, oligospermia, and impotence, bromocriptine reduces prolactin levels to normal and allows for satisfactory return of sexual and reproductive function in 90% of patients. In acromegaly, bromocriptine brings about subjective improvement in 75% of patients with reduction in growth-hormone levels to normal in 22% of patients. Bromocriptine has been used in premenstrual tension, functional infertility, Nelson's syndrome, and Cushing's disease with variable benefit. In low doses, side-effects are minimal. In higher doses, digital vasospasm and gastrointestinal bleeding have occurred. Although bromocriptine has been used in a wide variety of endocrine disorders, it appears to be most useful in treatment of male and female infertility associated with hyperprolactinemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly / drug therapy
  • Amenorrhea / drug therapy
  • Anovulation / drug therapy
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use*
  • Bromocriptine / toxicity
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Endocrine System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Galactorrhea / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / drug therapy
  • Infertility, Male / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prolactin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Prolactin / metabolism

Substances

  • Bromocriptine
  • Prolactin