Which medication is a D2 receptor agonist used in the treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

Which medication is a D2 receptor agonist used in the treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

• A. Bromocriptine (Parlodel) - D2 agonist
• B. Dantrolene
• C. Cyproheptadine
• D. Lithium

Answer: (A)

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome results from strong blockade of dopamine D2 receptors by antipsychotics, leading to rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic instability. The treatment goal is to restore dopaminergic signaling at those receptors. Bromocriptine is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, so it directly stimulates D2 receptors to counteract the antipsychotic blockade, helping to reverse the symptoms of NMS. Dantrolene works as a muscle relaxant by reducing calcium release in muscles but doesn’t address dopamine signaling. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with anti-serotonergic properties and is not used to treat NMS. Lithium targets different pathways and isn’t indicated for NMS.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome results from strong blockade of dopamine D2 receptors by antipsychotics, leading to rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic instability. The treatment goal is to restore dopaminergic signaling at those receptors. Bromocriptine is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, so it directly stimulates D2 receptors to counteract the antipsychotic blockade, helping to reverse the symptoms of NMS. Dantrolene works as a muscle relaxant by reducing calcium release in muscles but doesn’t address dopamine signaling. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with anti-serotonergic properties and is not used to treat NMS. Lithium targets different pathways and isn’t indicated for NMS.