Bromocriptine and puerperal seizures

Epidemiology. 1990 May;1(3):232-8. doi: 10.1097/00001648-199005000-00009.

Abstract

Case reports have prompted concern that the use of bromocriptine mesylate to prevent lactation in the puerperium increases the risk of postpartum seizure. We conducted a record-based case-control study of postpartum seizures in three data bases to evaluate this relation. We identified 43 women who had a postpartum seizure, and we matched 319 controls individually by hospital of delivery, quinquenium of age, and time of delivery. Overall, women taking bromocriptine had a 22% lower risk for seizures, that is, the relative risk estimate was 0.78, with a 90% confidence interval of 0.29 to 1.87. A reduction in seizure risk is consistent with reports of antiseizure activity for bromocriptine in various species, including humans. We found a small positive association between bromocriptine use and seizures occurring more than 72 hours after delivery, with a relative risk estimate of 1.6 after controlling for seizure history. This association was offset by a strong negative association between bromocriptine use and early-occurring seizures. The pattern of an initial reduced risk followed by an increase to normal or above-normal levels of risk could result from an antiseizure activity of bromocriptine, with a rebound in risk when bromocriptine is withdrawn.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bromocriptine / administration & dosage
  • Bromocriptine / adverse effects*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Drug Interactions
  • Ergonovine / administration & dosage
  • Ergonovine / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactation / drug effects
  • Puerperal Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Risk
  • Seizures / chemically induced*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Bromocriptine
  • Ergonovine