RESEARCH STARTER

Bromocriptine (drug interactions)

Bromocriptine is a medication commonly used to treat conditions associated with elevated prolactin levels, such as prolactinomas. However, it is important to be aware of its potential drug interactions. One notable interaction is with chasteberry, an herb that may theoretically interfere with the effectiveness of bromocriptine due to its ability to inhibit prolactin secretion. Additionally, several other herbs and supplements that influence blood pressure, dopamine levels, or cause drowsiness may also interact with this drug.

Bromocriptine can interact with numerous medications, some of which may lead to significant side effects. Patients are advised to avoid certain antibiotics, HIV medications, psychiatric drugs, and metoclopramide, as well as ergot-related medications, which could adversely affect bromocriptine levels. It is crucial for individuals taking bromocriptine to discuss all medications and supplements with their healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. Furthermore, alcohol should also be avoided during treatment, as it may exacerbate side effects. Understanding these interactions is vital for anyone considering or currently using bromocriptine.

Full Article

DEFINITION: An herb sometimes used to treat conditions in which there is too much prolactin, a hormone, in the body.

  • INTERACTION: Chasteberry, various other potential reactions
  • TRADE NAME: Parlodel, Cycloset

Chasteberry

Effect: Theoretical Interference with Drug Action

The herb chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) inhibits prolactin secretion and might have unpredictable effects if combined with bromocriptine.

Other herbs or supplements may interact with bromocriptine, including those that affect blood pressure and dopamine levels, as well as those that can cause drowsiness. Additionally, there are hundreds of medications with the potential to interact with bromocriptine, and these interactions range from major to minor. Patients should avoid certain antibiotics, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) medications, and psychiatric drugs. Patients should also avoid taking metoclopramide, a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ergot-related medications. Individuals should also avoid taking prescription medicines that are ergot medications, affect bromocriptine levels, cause drowsiness, are dopamine antagonist receptors, or treat migraine headaches. Patients should discuss all medications and supplements with their healthcare provider. Alcohol should also be avoided when taking bromocriptine. 


Bibliography

"Bromocriptine and Alcohol/Food Interactions." Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/food-interactions/bromocriptine.html. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

"Bromocriptine (Oral Route) before Using." Mayo Clinic, 1 Nov. 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bromocriptine-oral-route/before-using/drg-20062385. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Jarry, H., et al. "In Vitro Prolactin but Not LH and FSH Release Is Inhibited by Compounds in Extracts of Agnus-castus: Direct Evidence for a Dopaminergic Principle by the Dopamine Receptor Assay." Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 102, 1994, pp. 448-54, doi:10.1055/s-0029-1211317. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Milewicz, A., et al. "Vitex Agnus-castus Extract in the Treatment of Luteal Phase Defects Due to Latent Hyperprolactinemia." Arzneimittel-Forschung, vol. 43, no. 7, 1993, pp. 752-56, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8369008. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Olopaade, Jennie. "Bromocriptine: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More." Healthline, 3 June 2022, www.healthline.com/health/drugs/bromocriptine-oral-tablet. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Ozery, Matan, and Roopma Wadhwa. "Bromocriptine." StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, 28 May 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555948. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Full Article

DEFINITION: An herb sometimes used to treat conditions in which there is too much prolactin, a hormone, in the body.

  • INTERACTION: Chasteberry, various other potential reactions
  • TRADE NAME: Parlodel, Cycloset

Chasteberry

Effect: Theoretical Interference with Drug Action

The herb chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) inhibits prolactin secretion and might have unpredictable effects if combined with bromocriptine.

Other herbs or supplements may interact with bromocriptine, including those that affect blood pressure and dopamine levels, as well as those that can cause drowsiness. Additionally, there are hundreds of medications with the potential to interact with bromocriptine, and these interactions range from major to minor. Patients should avoid certain antibiotics, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) medications, and psychiatric drugs. Patients should also avoid taking metoclopramide, a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ergot-related medications. Individuals should also avoid taking prescription medicines that are ergot medications, affect bromocriptine levels, cause drowsiness, are dopamine antagonist receptors, or treat migraine headaches. Patients should discuss all medications and supplements with their healthcare provider. Alcohol should also be avoided when taking bromocriptine. 


Bibliography

"Bromocriptine and Alcohol/Food Interactions." Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/food-interactions/bromocriptine.html. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

"Bromocriptine (Oral Route) before Using." Mayo Clinic, 1 Nov. 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bromocriptine-oral-route/before-using/drg-20062385. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Jarry, H., et al. "In Vitro Prolactin but Not LH and FSH Release Is Inhibited by Compounds in Extracts of Agnus-castus: Direct Evidence for a Dopaminergic Principle by the Dopamine Receptor Assay." Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 102, 1994, pp. 448-54, doi:10.1055/s-0029-1211317. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Milewicz, A., et al. "Vitex Agnus-castus Extract in the Treatment of Luteal Phase Defects Due to Latent Hyperprolactinemia." Arzneimittel-Forschung, vol. 43, no. 7, 1993, pp. 752-56, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8369008. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Olopaade, Jennie. "Bromocriptine: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More." Healthline, 3 June 2022, www.healthline.com/health/drugs/bromocriptine-oral-tablet. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Ozery, Matan, and Roopma Wadhwa. "Bromocriptine." StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, 28 May 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555948. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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