Notes for: Bromocriptine & Other Dopaminergic DrugsLast edited [11/05/2012 15:21:58]
1. The below are included in this section for their inhibition of prolactin release. Refer to chapter 4 for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
2. Chronic use of ergot-derived dopamine agonists is associated with a risk of fibrosis, particularly cardiac fibrosis. Drug Safety Update (October 2008) advises that cardiac valvulopathy should be excluded by echocardiography before treatment with cabergoline or bromocriptine. Patients on cabergoline or bromocriptine should be monitored for signs or symptoms of pleuropulmonary disease (eg dyspnoea, shortness of breath, persistent cough, or chest pain) and retroperitoneal disorders during treatment. Patients on cabergoline should be monitored for signs of cardiac fibrosis and should undergo echocardiography.
3. Bromocriptine has a known safety profile in pregnancy. Pregnancy should be excluded before administration of cabergoline, and women who are planning pregnancy should stop taking cabergoline 1 month before they try to conceive.
4. Cabergoline has an advantage of administration on a once or twice a week basis.
5. Quinagolide may have advantages for patients intolerant of bromocriptine and cabergoline.