Bromocriptine: used to treat type 2 diabetes

Bromocryptine is a drug that has been approved for a long time for treatment of other conditions. It has recently been approved by the FDA for use in type 2 diabetes.

bromocryptine

• Brand name in US: Cycloset®
• Class: dopamine receptor agonist
• For: Type 2 diabetes
• Route of Administration: oral. Available as 0.8 mg tablet; maximal recommended dose of 6 tablets (4.8 mg) daily.
• Action: works in the brain "to reset hypothalamic centers regulating postprandial insulin-mediated glucose and lipid metabolism to thereby reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia."
• Manufacturer: Veroscience
• Status: Approved in USA May 2009
• Source: Information from manufacturer Veroscience; Cycloset prescribing information (see below).
• Side effects: Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing), nausea, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and headache. Postmarketing reports with higher doses of bromocriptine used for other indications include psychotic disorders, hallucinations, and fibrotic complications.
• Other drugs in the same class: none

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