What should I avoid while taking Bromocriptine 1mg tablets?

Avoid alcohol. Take with food. Food reduces irritation. (Source: DrugBank, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0)

Do I need a prescription for Bromocriptine 1mg tablets?

Bromocriptine 1mg tablets is classified as a Valid as a prescribable product in the UK. However, always consult a pharmacist or doctor before use. (Source: NHS dm+d)

What are the brand names for Bromocriptine 1mg tablets?

Bromocriptine 1mg tablets is the generic name. It is available under brand names including: Bromocriptine 1mg tablets, Bromocriptine 1mg tablets, Bromocriptine 1mg tablets, Bromocriptine 1mg tablets, Parlodel 1mg tablets. (Source: NHS dm+d — Actual Medicinal Products)

Bromocriptine 1mg tablets

Tablet

1mg

Oral

Bromocriptine mesylate is a semisynthetic ergot alkaloid derivative with potent dopaminergic activity.

Active ingredients:

Bromocriptine

BNF classificationBrowse formulary

Where this medicine sits in the British National Formulary — the UK's standard prescribing reference

BNF 06.07.01

ATC classificationBrowse ATC index

International classification by the WHO, grouping medicines by the organ system they act on

ATC G02CB01

Chemical classBrowse classes

Classification based on the molecule's chemical structure and properties

Check interactions for Bromocriptine

No active safety alerts

Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring

Report a side effect

Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA

Official medicine documents

Yellow Card

Report side effects (MHRA)

Drug safety updates

MHRA alerts for Bromocriptine

Source: MHRA Products DatabaseOGL 3.0

Updated 3 months ago(16 Jan 2026)

Safety monitoring data

Yellow Card reports

MHRA

The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.

View Drug Analysis Profile

Suspected adverse reactions reported for Bromocriptine

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Report a side effect

Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA

Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

EudraVigilance

EMA

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) collects suspected adverse reaction reports from across the EU/EEA through the EudraVigilance system. Search for safety data on this medicine.

View EudraVigilance report

Suspected adverse reactions reported for Bromocriptine

About EudraVigilance

Learn about EU pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring

EudraVigilance data is published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A suspected adverse reaction is not necessarily caused by the medicine.

5 branded products available

5 productsShow details

5 products

Possibly available on the UK marketDiscontinuedAvailability per NHS dm+d

MHRA licensed products

View all licensed products for Bromocriptine on the MHRA register

Parlodel 1mg tablets

Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Discontinued

Bromocriptine 1mg tablets

Focus Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Discontinued

Bromocriptine 1mg tablets

Alliance Healthcare (Distribution) Ltd

Discontinued

Bromocriptine 1mg tablets

Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Discontinued

Bromocriptine 1mg tablets

A A H Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Discontinued

Source: NHS dm+dOGL 3.0

Updated about 1 month ago(1 Mar 2026)

Daily doseShow details

WHO defined daily dose (DDD)

5 mg

Not a recommended dose. The DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults. It is a statistical measure used for research and comparison purposes only.

Source: WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, distributed via NHS dm+d BNF mapping files. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Therapeutically similar medicines

10 similarShow details

Bromocriptine 1mg/5ml oral suspension

Oral suspension

1mg/5ml

Same therapeutic group

Bromocriptine 200micrograms/5ml oral suspension

Oral suspension

5ml

Same therapeutic group

Quinagolide 25microgram tablets

Tablet

Same therapeutic group

Quinagolide 50microgram tablets

Tablet

Same therapeutic group

Quinagolide 50microgram tablets and Quinagolide 25microgram tablets

Tablet

Same therapeutic group

Similarity based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and NHS BNF section grouping. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.

NHS prescribing volume and spending trends

Show details

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Clinical guidelines and formulary information

British National Formulary

Bromocriptine

BNF

Drug monograph — bnf.nice.org.uk

Source: British National Formulary, NICE. Joint Formulary Committee. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

NICE clinical guidance(1)

Fertility problems: assessment and treatment (CG156)

CG156

Clinical guideline

Updated Sept 2017

Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Check stock at pharmacies and supply information

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Pharmacy stock checkers

Search for this medicine at major UK pharmacy chains. These links open the retailer's own website — results depend on their current online catalogue.

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Supply & product information

Official product databases and supply status monitoring

Shortages info

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)

emc product search

Discontinuations & alternatives for Bromocriptine

Pharmacy links redirect to the retailer's own search and do not represent real-time stock levels. emc (electronic medicines compendium) is operated by Datapharm Ltd. Shortage information sourced from NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS), sps.nhs.uk.

Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems

Show details

These codes are used by healthcare IT systems and prescribers to identify this medicine.

NHS UK identifiers

SNOMED CT

42033511000001106

dm+d ID

42033511000001106

VTM (Virtual Therapeutic Moiety)

774919002

VMP (Virtual Medicinal Product)

42033511000001106

BNF code

06070100

International identifiers

ATC code — Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (WHO)

G02CB01

Browse tools

dm+d Browser

NHSBSA medicines dictionary lookup

SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF codes from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).

Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov

Show details

Searching UK clinical trials...

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank

go.drugbank.com

Key facts

Drug status

Approved

Major interactions

13 found

Half-life

2-8 hours

Mechanism

The dopamine D2 receptor is a 7-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor associated with Gi proteins.

Food interactions

2 warnings

Human targets

18 targets

Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0

Pharmacokinetics at a glance

Absorption

28%

Approximately 28% of the oral dose is absorbed; however due to a substantial first pass effect, only 6% of the oral dose reaches the systemic circulation unchanged.…

Half-life

2-8 hours

2-8 hours

Protein binding

90-96%

90-96% bound to serum albumin

Metabolism

Completely metabolized by the liver, primarily by hydrolysis of the amide bond to produce lysergic acid and a peptide fragment, both inactive and non-toxic.…

Elimination

Parent drug and metabolites are almost completely excreted via the liver, and only 6% eliminated via the kidney.

Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0

Status:

Approved

Investigational

Withdrawn

Small molecule

About this compound

Bromocriptine mesylate is a semisynthetic ergot alkaloid derivative with potent dopaminergic activity. It inhibits prolactin secretion and may be used to treat dysfunctions associated with hyperprolactinemia. Bromocriptine is also indicated for the management of signs and symptoms of Parkinsonian Syndrome, as well as the treatment of acromegaly. Bromocriptine has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis, and can also cause sustained suppression of somatotropin (growth hormone) secretion in some patients with acromegaly.

In 1995, the FDA withdrew the approval of bromocriptine mesylate for the prevention of physiological lactation after finding that bromocriptine was not shown to be safe for use.[L43942][L43947] It continues to be used for the indications mentioned above.

Properties:

solid

Avg. mass: 654.60 Da

View FDA drug label

DrugBank indication

For the treatment of galactorrhea due to hyperprolactinemia, prolactin-dependent menstrual disorders and infertility, prolactin-secreting adenomas, prolactin-dependent male hypogonadism, as adjunct therapy to surgery or radiotherapy for acromegaly or as monotherapy is special cases, as monotherapy in early Parksinsonian Syndrome or as an adjunct with levodopa in advanced cases with motor complications. Bromocriptine has also been used off-label to treat restless legs syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Also known as(112)

2-Bromo-alpha-ergocryptine

2-Bromo-alpha-ergokryptin

2-Bromo-alpha-ergokryptine

2-bromo-α-ergocryptine

2-bromo-α-ergokryptin

2-bromo-α-ergokryptine

Bromocriptina

Bromocriptine

Dosage forms(18)

Tablet, film coated (Oral) — 2.5 mg

Capsule (Oral) — 10 MG

Capsule (Oral) — 5 mg

Capsule (Oral) — 5 mg/1

Tablet (Oral) — 2.5 mg/1

Tablet (Oral) — 2.87 mg

Tablet (Oral) — 0.8 mg/1

Capsule, coated (Oral) — 5 mg

Molecular properties(19)

Drug interactions(1722)

Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Pegvisomant

Unknown severity

DB00082

The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Pegvisomant is combined with Bromocriptine.

Check this interaction

Duloxetine

Major

DB00476

The risk or severity of orthostatic hypotension and syncope can be increased when Bromocriptine is combined with Duloxetine.

Check this interaction

Levodopa

Major

DB01235

The risk or severity of hypotension and orthostatic hypotension can be increased when Bromocriptine is combined with Levodopa.

Check this interaction

Risperidone

Moderate

DB00734

Bromocriptine may increase the hypotensive activities of Risperidone.

Check this interaction

Cyclosporine

Unknown severity

DB00091

The serum concentration of Cyclosporine can be increased when it is combined with Bromocriptine.

Check this interaction

Vapreotide

Unknown severity

DB04894

The serum concentration of Bromocriptine can be increased when it is combined with Vapreotide.

Check this interaction

Pasireotide

Unknown severity

DB06663

The serum concentration of Bromocriptine can be increased when it is combined with Pasireotide.

Check this interaction

Lanreotide

Unknown severity

DB06791

The serum concentration of Bromocriptine can be increased when it is combined with Lanreotide.

Check this interaction

Somatostatin

Unknown severity

DB09099

The serum concentration of Bromocriptine can be increased when it is combined with Somatostatin.

Check this interaction

Valsartan

Moderate

DB00177

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Valsartan.

Check this interaction

Ramipril

Moderate

DB00178

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Ramipril.

Check this interaction

Remikiren

Moderate

DB00212

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Remikiren.

Check this interaction

Guanadrel

Moderate

DB00226

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Guanadrel.

Check this interaction

Olmesartan

Moderate

DB00275

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Olmesartan.

Check this interaction

Nitroprusside

Moderate

DB00325

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Nitroprusside.

Check this interaction

Minoxidil

Moderate

DB00350

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Minoxidil.

Check this interaction

Treprostinil

Moderate

DB00374

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Treprostinil.

Check this interaction

Fosinopril

Moderate

DB00492

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Fosinopril.

Check this interaction

Trandolapril

Moderate

DB00519

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Trandolapril.

Check this interaction

Candoxatril

Moderate

DB00616

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Candoxatril.

Check this interaction

Mecamylamine

Moderate

DB00657

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Mecamylamine.

Check this interaction

Moexipril

Moderate

DB00691

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Moexipril.

Check this interaction

Lisinopril

Moderate

DB00722

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Lisinopril.

Check this interaction

Cryptenamine

Moderate

DB00785

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Cryptenamine.

Check this interaction

Perindopril

Moderate

DB00790

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Perindopril.

Check this interaction

Eprosartan

Moderate

DB00876

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Eprosartan.

Check this interaction

Quinapril

Moderate

DB00881

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Quinapril.

Check this interaction

Omapatrilat

Moderate

DB00886

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Omapatrilat.

Check this interaction

Deserpidine

Moderate

DB01089

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Deserpidine.

Check this interaction

Pentolinium

Moderate

DB01090

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Pentolinium.

Check this interaction

Trimethaphan

Moderate

DB01116

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Trimethaphan.

Check this interaction

Bretylium

Moderate

DB01158

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Bretylium.

Check this interaction

Rescinnamine

Moderate

DB01180

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Rescinnamine.

Check this interaction

Epoprostenol

Moderate

DB01240

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Epoprostenol.

Check this interaction

Saprisartan

Moderate

DB01347

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Saprisartan.

Check this interaction

Spirapril

Moderate

DB01348

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Spirapril.

Check this interaction

Tienilic acid

Moderate

DB04831

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Tienilic acid.

Check this interaction

Diethylnorspermine

Moderate

DB06445

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Diethylnorspermine.

Check this interaction

Temocapril

Moderate

DB08836

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Temocapril.

Check this interaction

Rauwolfia serpentina root

Moderate

DB09363

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Rauwolfia serpentina root.

Check this interaction

Enalaprilat

Moderate

DB09477

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Enalaprilat.

Check this interaction

Angiotensin 1-7

Moderate

DB11720

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Angiotensin 1-7.

Check this interaction

Imidapril

Moderate

DB11783

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Imidapril.

Check this interaction

BQ-123

Moderate

DB12054

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of BQ-123.

Check this interaction

Cicletanine

Moderate

DB12766

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Cicletanine.

Check this interaction

Dihydralazine

Moderate

DB12945

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Dihydralazine.

Check this interaction

Zofenopril

Moderate

DB13166

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Zofenopril.

Check this interaction

Guanoxan

Moderate

DB13211

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Guanoxan.

Check this interaction

Delapril

Moderate

DB13312

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Delapril.

Check this interaction

Vincamine

Moderate

DB13374

Bromocriptine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Vincamine.

Check this interaction

Showing 50 of 1722 interactions

Food & lifestyle interactions

Avoid Alcohol

Avoid alcohol.

Take With Food

Take with food. Food reduces irritation.

Toxicity & overdose

Symptoms of overdosage include nausea, vomiting, and severe hypotension. The most common adverse effects include nausea, headache, vertigo, constipation, light-headedness, abdominal cramps, nasal congestion, diarrhea, and hypotension.

How it works

Mechanism of action

The dopamine D₂ receptor is a 7-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor associated with G_i proteins. In lactotrophs, stimulation of dopamine D₂ receptor causes inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, which decreases intracellular cAMP concentrations and blocks IP3-dependent release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores. Decreases in intracellular calcium levels may also be brought about via inhibition of calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels, rather than via inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Additionally, receptor activation blocks phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAPK and decreases MAPK/ERK kinase phosphorylation. Inhibition of MAPK appears to be mediated by c-Raf and B-Raf-dependent inhibition of MAPK/ERK kinase. Dopamine-stimulated growth hormone release from the pituitary gland is mediated by a decrease in intracellular calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels rather than via adenylyl cyclase inhibition. Stimulation of dopamine D₂ receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway leads to improvements in coordinated muscle activity in those with movement disorders.

Pharmacodynamics

Bromocriptine stimulates centrally-located dopaminergic receptors resulting in a number of pharmacologic effects. Five dopamine receptor types from two dopaminergic subfamilies have been identified. The dopaminergic D1 receptor subfamily consists of D₁ and D₅ subreceptors, which are associated with dyskinesias. The dopaminergic D2 receptor subfamily consists of D₂, D₃ and D₄ subreceptors, which are associated with improvement of symptoms of movement disorders. Thus, agonist activity specific for D2 subfamily receptors, primarily D₂ and D₃ receptor subtypes, are the primary targets of dopaminergic antiparkinsonian agents. It is thought that postsynaptic D₂ stimulation is primarily responsible for the antiparkinsonian effect of dopamine agonists, while presynaptic D₂ stimulation confers neuroprotective effects. This semisynthetic ergot derivative exhibits potent agonist activity on dopamine D₂-receptors. It also exhibits agonist activity (in order of decreasing binding affinity) on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)_1D, dopamine D₃, 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT_1B, and 5-HT_2C receptors, antagonist activity on α_2A-adrenergic, α_2C, α_2B, and dopamine D₁ receptors, partial agonist activity at receptor 5-HT_2B, and inactivates dopamine D₄ and 5-HT₇ receptors. Parkinsonian Syndrome manifests when approximately 80% of dopaminergic activity in the nigrostriatal pathway of the brain is lost. As this striatum is involved in modulating the intensity of coordinated muscle activity (e.g. movement, balance, walking), loss of activity may result in dystonia (acute muscle contraction), Parkinsonism (including symptoms of bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and flattened affect), akathesia (inner restlessness), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements usually associated with long-term loss of dopaminergic activity), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which manifests when complete blockage of nigrostriatal dopamine occurs. High dopaminergic activity in the mesolimbic pathway of the brain causes hallucinations and delusions; these side effects of dopamine agonists are manifestations seen in patients with schizophrenia who have overractivity in this area of the brain. The hallucinogenic side effects of dopamine agonists may also be due to 5-HT_2A agonism. The tuberoinfundibular pathway of the brain originates in the hypothalamus and terminates in the pituitary gland. In this pathway, dopamine inhibits lactotrophs in anterior pituitary from secreting prolactin. Increased dopaminergic activity in the tuberoinfundibular pathway inhibits prolactin secretion making bromocriptine an effective agent for treating disorders associated with hypersecretion of prolactin. Pulmonary fibrosis may be associated bromocriptine’s agonist activity at 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_2B receptors.

Pharmacokinetics

How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination

Absorption

Approximately 28% of the oral dose is absorbed; however due to a substantial first pass effect, only 6% of the oral dose reaches the systemic circulation unchanged. Bromocriptine and its metabolites appear in the blood as early as 10 minutes following oral administration and peak plasma concentration are reached within 1-1.5 hours. Serum prolactin may be decreased within 2 hours or oral administration with a maximal effect achieved after 8 hours.

Growth hormone concentrations in patients with acromegaly is reduced within 1-2 hours with a single oral dose of 2.5 mg and decreased growth hormone concentrations persist for at least 4-5 hours.

Half-life

2-8 hours

Protein binding

90-96% bound to serum albumin

Metabolism

Completely metabolized by the liver, primarily by hydrolysis of the amide bond to produce lysergic acid and a peptide fragment, both inactive and non-toxic. Bromocriptine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 and excreted primarily in the feces via biliary secretion.

Route of elimination

Parent drug and metabolites are almost completely excreted via the liver, and only 6% eliminated via the kidney.

Drug targets(18)

Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body

D(2) dopamine receptor

BE0000756

DRD2

agonist

Specific functiondopamine binding

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

Dopamine receptor whose activity is mediated by G proteins which inhibit adenylyl cyclase .
PMID:21645528
Positively regulates postnatal regression of retinal hyaloid vessels via suppression of VEGFR2/KDR activity, downstream of OPN5 (By similarity)

D(3) dopamine receptor

BE0000581

DRD3

agonist

Specific functiondopamine neurotransmitter receptor activity, coupled via Gi/Go

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

Dopamine receptor whose activity is mediated by G proteins which inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Promotes cell proliferation

5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1D

BE0000659

HTR1D

agonist

Specific functionG protein-coupled serotonin receptor activity

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

G-protein coupled receptor for 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) .
PMID:10452531 PMID:1565658 PMID:1652050 PMID:33762731

Also functions as a receptor for ergot alkaloid derivatives, various anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs and other psychoactive substances .
PMID:10452531 PMID:1565658 PMID:1652050 PMID:33762731

Ligand binding causes a conformation change that triggers signaling via guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) and modulates the activity of downstream effectors, such as adenylate cyclase .
PMID:10452531 PMID:1565658 PMID:1652050 PMID:33762731

HTR1D is coupled to G(i)/G(o) G alpha proteins and mediates inhibitory neurotransmission by inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity .
PMID:33762731
Regulates the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain, and thereby affects neural activity .
PMID:18476671 PMID:20945968
May also play a role in regulating the release of other neurotransmitters .
PMID:18476671 PMID:20945968
May play a role in vasoconstriction PMID:18476671 PMID:20945968

Alpha-2A adrenergic receptor

BE0000289

ADRA2A

agonist

Specific functionalpha-1B adrenergic receptor binding

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors mediate the catecholamine-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase through the action of G proteins. The rank order of potency for agonists of this receptor is oxymetazoline > clonidine > epinephrine > norepinephrine > phenylephrine > dopamine > p-synephrine > p-tyramine > serotonin = p-octopamine. For antagonists, the rank order is yohimbine > phentolamine = mianserine > chlorpromazine = spiperone = prazosin > propanolol > alprenolol = pindolol

5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A

BE0000291

HTR1A

agonist

Specific functionG protein-coupled serotonin receptor activity

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

G-protein coupled receptor for 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) .
PMID:22957663 PMID:3138543 PMID:33762731 PMID:37935376 PMID:37935377 PMID:8138923 PMID:8393041

Also functions as a receptor for various drugs and psychoactive substances .
PMID:22957663 PMID:3138543 PMID:33762731 PMID:38552625 PMID:8138923 PMID:8393041

Ligand binding causes a conformation change that triggers signaling via guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) and modulates the activity of downstream effectors, such as adenylate cyclase .
PMID:22957663 PMID:3138543 PMID:33762731 PMID:8138923 PMID:8393041

HTR1A is coupled to G(i)/G(o) G alpha proteins and mediates inhibitory neurotransmission: signaling inhibits adenylate cyclase activity and activates a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system that regulates the release of Ca(2+) ions from intracellular stores .
PMID:33762731 PMID:35610220
Beta-arrestin family members regulate signaling by mediating both receptor desensitization and resensitization processes .
PMID:18476671 PMID:20363322 PMID:20945968

Plays a role in the regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine release and in the regulation of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism .
PMID:18476671 PMID:20363322 PMID:20945968

Plays a role in the regulation of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the brain, and thereby affects neural activity, mood and behavior .
PMID:18476671 PMID:20363322 PMID:20945968

Plays a role in the response to anxiogenic stimuli PMID:18476671 PMID:20363322 PMID:20945968

Metabolizing enzymes(1)

Enzymes involved in drug metabolism — important for understanding drug interactions

Enzyme activity key

substrate

inhibitor

inducer

CYP3A4Cytochrome P450 3A4

substrate

inhibitor

Transporters(1)

Proteins that transport this drug across cell membranes

ATP-dependent translocase ABCB1

BE0001032

ABCB1

substrate

inhibitor

Specific functionABC-type xenobiotic transporter activity

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

Translocates drugs and phospholipids across the membrane .
PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:8898203 PMID:9038218 PMID:35507548

Catalyzes the flop of phospholipids from the cytoplasmic to the exoplasmic leaflet of the apical membrane. Participates mainly to the flop of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, beta-D-glucosylceramides and sphingomyelins .
PMID:8898203
Energy-dependent efflux pump responsible for decreased drug accumulation in multidrug-resistant cells PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:9038218

Scientific references(7)

Banihashemi B., Albert P.R.

Dopamine-D2S Receptor Inhibition of Calcium Influx, Adenylyl Cyclase, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Pituitary Cells: Distinct Gα and Gβγ Requirements.

Molecular Endocrinology

200216(10):2393-2404. doi: 10.1210/me.2001-0220

PMID: 12351703 DOI: 10.1210/me.2001-0220

Kvernmo T., Houben J., Sylte I.

Receptor-Binding and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Dopaminergic Agonists.

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry

20088(12):1049-1067. doi: 10.2174/156802608785161457

PMID: 18691132 DOI: 10.2174/156802608785161457

Lam Y.W.

Clinical Pharmacology of Dopamine Agonists.

Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy

200020(1P2). doi: 10.1592/phco.20.2.17s.34627

PMID: 10641988 DOI: 10.1592/phco.20.2.17s.34627

Malgaroli A., Vallar L., Elahi F.R., Pozzan T., Spada A., Meldolesi J.

Dopamine inhibits cytosolic Ca2+ increases in rat lactotroph cells.

Evidence of a dual mechanism of action

. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 1987262(29):13920-13927. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)47882-9

PMID: 2443499 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)47882-9

Nishina Y., Takano K., Yasufuku-Takano J., Teramoto A., Fujita T.

Mechanism of D2 Agonist-induced Inhibition of GH Secretion from Human GH-secreting Adenoma Cells.

Endocrine Journal

200552(6):775-779. doi: 10.1507/endocrj.52.775

PMID: 16410672 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.52.775

Vallar L., Meldolesi J.

Mechanisms of signal transduction at the dopamine D2 receptor.

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences

198910(2):74-77. doi: 10.1016/0165-6147(89)90082-5

PMID: 2655242 DOI: 10.1016/0165-6147(89)90082-5

Vallar L., Vicentini L.M., Meldolesi J.

Inhibition of inositol phosphate production is a late, Ca2+-dependent effect of D2 dopaminergic receptor activation in rat lactotroph cells..

Journal of Biological Chemistry

1988263(21):10127-10134. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9258(19)81486-2

PMID: 2839476 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(19)81486-2

ATC classification(2 codes)

ATC N04BC01

ATC G02CB01

Affected organisms(1)

Humans and other mammals

International brands(5)

Salt forms(1)

Bromocriptine mesylate(DBSALT001209)

Experimental properties(2)

External resources(2)

RxList Drugs.com

Protein Data Bank entries(4)

Commercial products(46)

Chemical identifiers

CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references

Show

Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Bromocriptine

DB01200

CAS number

25614-03-3

UNII (FDA)

3A64E3G5ZO

InChI Key (molecular fingerprint)

OZVBMTJYIDMWIL-AYFBDAFISA-N

Additional database identifiers

Drugs Product Database (DPD)

11220

ChEBI

3181

PubChem Compound

31101

PubChem Substance

46505504

KEGG Compound

C06856

KEGG Drug

D03165

ChemSpider

28858

BindingDB

81993

PharmGKB

PA448671

PDB

08Y

Therapeutic Targets Database

DAP001462

Wikipedia

Bromocriptine

ChEMBL

CHEMBL493

ZINC

ZINC000053683151

RxCUI

1760

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:3023

GenAtlas

DRD2

GeneCards

DRD2

GenBank Gene Database

M30625

GenBank Protein Database

181432

IUPHAR

215

Guide to Pharmacology

215

UniProtKB

P14416

UniProt Accession

DRD2_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:3024

GenAtlas

DRD3

GeneCards

DRD3

GenBank Gene Database

U32499

GenBank Protein Database

927342

IUPHAR

216

Guide to Pharmacology

216

UniProtKB

P35462

UniProt Accession

DRD3_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:5289

GenAtlas

HTR1D

GeneCards

HTR1D

GenBank Gene Database

M89955

GenBank Protein Database

177772

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P28221

UniProt Accession

5HT1D_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:281

GenAtlas

ADRA2A

GeneCards

ADRA2A

GenBank Gene Database

M23533

GenBank Protein Database

178196

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P08913

UniProt Accession

ADA2A_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:5286

GenAtlas

HTR1A

GeneCards

HTR1A

GenBank Gene Database

M28269

GenBank Protein Database

189928

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P08908

UniProt Accession

5HT1A_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:283

GenAtlas

ADRA2C

GeneCards

ADRA2C

GenBank Gene Database

J03853

GenBank Protein Database

178194

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P18825

UniProt Accession

ADA2C_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:282

GenAtlas

ADRA2B

GeneCards

ADRA2B

GenBank Gene Database

M34041

GenBank Protein Database

178198

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P18089

UniProt Accession

ADA2B_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:5294

GenAtlas

HTR2B

GeneCards

HTR2B

GenBank Gene Database

X77307

GenBank Protein Database

475198

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P41595

UniProt Accession

5HT2B_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:3025

GenAtlas

DRD4

GeneCards

DRD4

GenBank Gene Database

L12398

GenBank Protein Database

291946

IUPHAR

217

Guide to Pharmacology

217

UniProtKB

P21917

UniProt Accession

DRD4_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:5293

GenAtlas

HTR2A

GeneCards

HTR2A

GenBank Gene Database

S42168

GenBank Protein Database

36431

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P28223

UniProt Accession

5HT2A_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:5287

GenAtlas

HTR1B

GeneCards

HTR1B

GenBank Gene Database

D10995

GenBank Protein Database

219679

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P28222

UniProt Accession

5HT1B_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:5295

GenAtlas

HTR2C

GeneCards

HTR2C

GenBank Gene Database

M81778

GenBank Protein Database

338028

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P28335

UniProt Accession

5HT2C_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:3026

GenAtlas

DRD5

GeneCards

DRD5

GenBank Gene Database

X58454

GenBank Protein Database

32049

IUPHAR

218

Guide to Pharmacology

218

UniProtKB

P21918

UniProt Accession

DRD5_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:3020

GenAtlas

DRD1

GeneCards

DRD1

GenBank Gene Database

X55760

GenBank Protein Database

30397

IUPHAR

214

Guide to Pharmacology

214

UniProtKB

P21728

UniProt Accession

DRD1_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:277

GenAtlas

ADRA1A

GeneCards

ADRA1A

GenBank Gene Database

D25235

GenBank Protein Database

433201

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P35348

UniProt Accession

ADA1A_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:278

GenAtlas

ADRA1B

GeneCards

ADRA1B

GenBank Gene Database

M99589

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P35368

UniProt Accession

ADA1B_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:280

GenAtlas

ADRA1D

GeneCards

ADRA1D

GenBank Gene Database

M76446

GenBank Protein Database

177807

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P25100

UniProt Accession

ADA1D_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:5302

GenAtlas

HTR7

GeneCards

HTR7

GenBank Gene Database

U68487

GenBank Protein Database

1857143

IUPHAR

Guide to Pharmacology

UniProtKB

P34969

UniProt Accession

5HT7R_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:2637

GenAtlas

CYP3A4

GeneCards

CYP3A4

GenBank Gene Database

M18907

Guide to Pharmacology

1337

UniProtKB

P08684

UniProt Accession

CP3A4_HUMAN

HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

HGNC:40

GenAtlas

ABCB1

GeneCards

ABCB1

GenBank Gene Database

M14758

GenBank Protein Database

307180

Guide to Pharmacology

768

UniProtKB

P08183

UniProt Accession

MDR1_HUMAN

International reference pricing

10 formulations

Reference pricing from DrugBank. Prices are indicative and may not reflect current UK costs.

From $0.57/tablet

To $384.03/g

Apo-Bromocriptine 2.5 mg Tablet

$0.57/tablet

Pms-Bromocriptine 2.5 mg Tablet

$0.57/tablet

Apo-Bromocriptine 5 mg Capsule

$1.02/capsule

Pms-Bromocriptine 5 mg Capsule

$1.02/capsule

Bromocriptine 2.5 mg tablet

$2.18/tablet

Source: DrugBank. Used under CC BY-NC 4.0 academic licence for non-commercial purposes.

Patent information

13 active patents, 6 expired

8613947

United States

Approved 24 Dec 2013 · Expires 30 Apr 2032

6 years

8431155

United States

Approved 30 Apr 2013 · Expires 30 Apr 2032

6 years

9192576

United States

Approved 24 Nov 2015 · Expires 30 Apr 2032

6 years

9522117

United States

Approved 20 Dec 2016 · Expires 30 Apr 2032

6 years

9700555

United States

Approved 11 Jul 2017 · Expires 30 Apr 2032

6 years

Source: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0. Patent data sourced from national patent offices. Expiry dates may not reflect extensions, regulatory exclusivity periods, or legal challenges.

DrugBank citations

If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:

Knox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et al

DrugBank 6.

0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024

Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275

PMID: 37953279

Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et al

DrugBank 5.

0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018

Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082

PMID: 29126136

Show earlier publications

Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et al

DrugBank 4.

0: shedding new light on drug metabolism

Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7

PMID: 24203711

Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et al

DrugBank 3.

0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs

Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41

PMID: 21059682

Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al

DrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.

Nucleic Acids Research

2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6

PMID: 18048412

Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al

DrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.

Nucleic Acids Research

2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72

PMID: 16381955

Source: go.drugbank.comCC BY-NC 4.0

Updated 26 days ago(8 Mar 2026)

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