Bromocriptine
An ergot-derived dopamine D2 agonist used for hyperprolactinaemia, Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes. In PED contexts it suppresses prolactin to manage 19-nor (nandrolone/trenbolone) prolactin-related side effects.
01 Overview
Bromocriptine (Parlodel, Cycloset) is a first-generation ergot dopamine agonist that stimulates D2 receptors on pituitary lactotrophs, suppressing prolactin secretion. It has broad clinical use in prolactinomas, Parkinson's disease, acromegaly and, as a quick-release form, type 2 diabetes.
Among steroid users it is used to control the elevated prolactin caused by progestogenic 19-nortestosterone compounds, which can otherwise cause libido loss and lactation. It is generally considered less potent and more side-effect-prone than cabergoline.
02 Mechanism
Ergot-derived dopamine D2 receptor agonist: activates pituitary D2 receptors to inhibit prolactin release; also stimulates central dopaminergic pathways.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prolactin control | 1.25–2.5 mg/day | Oral | Off-label use with 19-nor compounds. |
| Hyperprolactinaemia | 2.5–15 mg/day | Oral | Titrated up from a low bedtime dose. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prolactin suppressionD2 agonism inhibits pituitary prolactin secretion. | Normalised prolactin | Clinical | |
| Improved libido on 19-norsLowering prolactin reverses prolactin-induced sexual dysfunction. | Restored sexual function | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea and orthostatic hypotensionNausea, dizziness and blood-pressure drops, especially on first dose. | Moderate | Very common | Clinical | |
| Psychiatric effectsVivid dreams, confusion or, rarely, psychosis. | Moderate | Uncommon | Clinical |