Drug induced hyperprolactinemia:an oftern overlooked adverse effect

Pharmacy
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Hyperprolactinemia which is increase in level of sr.prolactin in our body.Generally we have seen this increase in levels during pregnancy, hypothyroidism conditions.

Drug induced hyperprolactinemia:

This is caused by the medication that reduces the dopamine activity,as dopamine normally inhibits the prolactin secretion from the pitutary gland.

The culprit drugs that causing this condition are Antiphyschotics,Antidepressants, Antiemetics …

The symptoms that may faced by the people during this period includes Galactorrhea, primary dysmenorrhea, Amenorrhea, Long term risk of decreased bone mineral density

So always review a patients past medical history before evaluating the other causes for elevated prolactin levels. Recognising this drug induced hyperprolactinemia help to prevent unnecessary investigations and guide appropriate treatment.

Have you ever encountered such cases?

MBH/PS

2 Likes
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Informative!! Mostly dopamine antagonists (especially risperidone and metoclopramide) are the most common drug-induced causes of hyperprolactinemia.

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Thanks for sharing; worth reading. Not only for the risk of hyperprolactinemia, but also giving a prescription by reviewing a patient’s medical history is always a must, as providing a patient with a prescription for certain drugs without review of prior medical history may cause other medical complications too.