1. The study of
bromocriptine and its effects has opened up new perspectives on the highly sophisticated neuroendocrine control mechanisms and the role of
neurotransmitters. 2. As a specific
prolactin inhibitor,
bromocriptine is the treatment of choice in many cases of
hyperprolactinemia in female and male. There is ample evidence that with
bromocriptine a reduction of
pituitary tumor size (particularly in
prolactin-secreting
tumors) can be achieved. 3. One highly specific use of
bromocriptine, and which involves virtually no problems, is inhibition of puerperal lactation. 4.
Bromocriptine is effective and useful in the treatment of
acromegaly. While it may restore
growth hormone levels to normal in mild and selective cases, it may be helpful in controlling severe cases in which surgical or radiotherapeutic approaches have failed to achieve satisfactory results. 5. As a
dopamine agonist,
bromocriptine offers a new possibility of treating
parkinsonism. It may be given alone or, as is preferable in many cases, in combination with submaximal doses of
levodopa. 6. Side effects are sometimes only observed on initiation of
bromocriptine therapy, sometimes occur only during chronic
therapy, and may occasionally necessitate interruption of the treatment. Sometimes continuation of
therapy leads to tolerance of unwanted effects. Patients should be informed before the start of
bromocriptine treatment about the possibility of side effects. With proper instruction on the manner in which the
drug should be taken, many adverse reactions can be avoided or diminished.