This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
account_circleSign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Drug induced hyperprolactinaemia

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The main drugs which induce hyperprolactinaemia are:

  • major tranquilisers - block dopamine binding sites
  • metoclopramide - block dopamine binding sites
  • tricyclic antidepressants - block catecholamine re-uptake
  • reserpine - depletes catecholamines
  • methyl-dopa - blocks conversion of tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine and dopamine
  • oral contraceptives - promote the synthesis and storage of prolactin
  • bendrofluazide, omeprazole, ranitidine, cimetidine and famotidine have occasionally been reported to cause hyperprolactinaemia

Drug-induced increases in serum prolactin do not generally lead to levels above 2500 mU/L; however occasionally levels up to 6000 mU/L have been observed (1).

In cases of suspected drug-induced hyperoprolactinaemia where very high levels of prolactin are seen (over 2500 mU/L) then detailed physical examination (including visual fields), pituitary imaging and measurement of pituitary hormone levels are indicated.

Reference:

  • (1) Prescribers' Journal (2000), 40 (2), 157-168.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.