Which medication is used primarily for hyperprolactinemia and acromegaly?

Dopamine receptor agonists are the medication of choice for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia and acromegaly due to their ability to stimulate dopamine receptors, which leads to inhibition of prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. In cases of hyperprolactinemia, conditions such as prolactinoma (a type of pituitary tumor) result in excessive levels of prolactin. By activating dopamine D2 receptors, these agonists help to normalize prolactin levels, thus alleviating symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia, such as galactorrhea and menstrual irregularities.

In the context of acromegaly, which is often caused by growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumors, dopamine receptor agonists can reduce growth hormone levels as well. They work not only by lowering prolactin but also by causing shrinkage of the tumor in some cases, thereby addressing the symptoms of acromegaly such as enlargement of body parts and metabolic disturbances.

Other options, such as MAO inhibitors, do not target the prolactin axis or the growth hormone pathway and are primarily used for depression and anxiety disorders. Antipyretics are used for fever reduction and do not have any action on prol