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Severe cardiac dysrhythmia in patients using bromocriptine postpartum.
L Iffy1, J O'Donnell, J Correia
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103, USA.
American Journal of Therapeutics
|March 31, 1999
Summary
Bromocriptine mesylate, once used for preventing breast engorgement, was withdrawn due to severe vasospastic reactions. New cases suggest it may also cause circulatory collapse from cardiac dysrhythmia.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Bromocriptine mesylate was widely used for preventing postpartum breast engorgement since 1980.
- In 1994, it was withdrawn from the US market for ablactation due to safety concerns.
- The FDA's decision was based on case reports of severe vasospastic reactions.
Observation:
- Reported side effects included stroke, intracranial bleeding, cerebral edema, convulsions, myocardial infarction, and puerperal psychosis.
- More recent concerns link bromocriptine mesylate to circulatory collapse secondary to cardiac dysrhythmia.
- This report details two additional cases of circulatory collapse potentially linked to the drug.
Findings:
- The two described cases involved postpartum women experiencing circulatory collapse.
- Antepartum clinical evaluations indicated these women had a predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias.
- These findings suggest a potential link between bromocriptine mesylate and drug-induced cardiac dysrhythmia leading to collapse.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the potential for severe cardiovascular adverse events associated with bromocriptine mesylate.
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of cardiac dysrhythmia and circulatory collapse, especially in predisposed individuals.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms underlying these adverse reactions is warranted to ensure patient safety.