Quinagolide is a potent and specific non-ergot dopamine D2 agonist launched in the Netherlands for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Quinagolide is
effective in inhibiting prolactin secretion by human pituitary tumor and
hyperprolactinemia in vitro and in viva A daily dose of as low as 60 pg is able to
achieve a pronounced and prolonged suppressive effect on serum prolactin and
growth hormone secretion. It is also effective in providing relief from associated
effects such as infertility, galactorrhea, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, loss of IibMo
and impotence. Compared with the most widely used antiprolactin, bromocriptine,
quinagolide is more potent in vivo with a longer duration of action and fewer side
effects. A recent study showed that acute administration of quinagolide suppresses
growth hormone secretion in acromegalic patients and thus could serve as an
alternative therapy in acromegaly.
