Bromocriptine mesylate, a long-acting dopamine agonist, is a semisynthetic ergot-derived alkaloid that has been used clinically since 1969. 1 This drug has been effective in the management of patients with hyperprolactinemia with or without a demonstrable prolactin-secreting adenoma, growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas, postpartum lactation, and Parkinson's disease. 2 The drug also has been safely used in the management of pregnant women harboring prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors. 3 In addition, the drug has been tried in some patients with luteal-phase insufficiency, idiopathic edema, premenstrual tension syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy, although the data supporting the use of the drug in these latter conditions either are incomplete or require substantiation. 1 During the 20 years of clinical experience, bromocriptine has been found to be remarkably free of major side effects. 4 Patients commonly develop nausea, occasionally with abdominal cramps and vomiting, and postural hypotension at the time therapy is initiated. These side effects can