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Review
. 2024 Dec;25(6):1003-1011.
doi: 10.1007/s11154-024-09909-6. Epub 2024 Sep 23.

Drug induced hypoprolactinemia

Adriana G Ioachimescu  1 , Fahrettin Kelestimur  2
Affiliations
Review

Drug induced hypoprolactinemia

Adriana G Ioachimescu et al. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Prolactin levels can be influenced by multiple medications primarily through the interaction with dopamine receptors which regulate its secretion. Unlike hyperprolactinemia which has a well-defined clinical phenotype, the effects of hypoprolactinemia beyond inability to lactate are incompletely understood. Recent studies have raised concerns regarding detrimental changes in glucose metabolism, sexual function and psychological profile in patients with low prolactin levels. In contrast with anatomic and genetic etiologies, drug-induced hypoprolactinemia is usually reversible after dose reduction of the offending medication. The most common clinical scenario of drug-induced hypoprolactinemia in the endocrine clinic pertains to patients treated with cabergoline or bromocriptine for prolactin-secreting or other types of pituitary adenomas. Also, data has accumulated regarding hypoprolactinemia in patients receiving aripiprazole for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. These patients warrant careful evaluation for comorbidities. This review aims to increase awareness about the potentially detrimental effects of drug-induced hypoprolactinemia, which should be considered in clinical practice decisions.

Keywords: Aripiprazole; Bromocriptine; Cabergoline; Dopamine agonists; Hypoprolactinemia; Prolactin.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval: Not applicable. Informed consent: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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