Bromocriptine [Bromoergocryptine]

This chapter discusses bromocriptine, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade name Parlodel^®, bromocriptine is prescribed for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Initially, 2.5 mg daily orally of the drug can be given in two divided doses with meals. The exact mechanism of antiparkinsonian action of bromocriptine is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to activation by bromocriptine of dopaminergic (D2) receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway of the CNS. Bromocriptine, particularly at higher dosages, may augment or exacerbate the actions of alcohol.