verapamil and hyperprolactinaemia

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • verapamil has a significant prolactin releasing effect - a study revealed that 8.5% of male patients treated with verapamil had increased prolactin levels with a concomitant reduction in testosterone levels (1) - this prolactin releasing effect is not significant with other calcium antagonists

  • verapamil may lead to hyperprolactinaemia via antagonism of N-type calcium channels and consequent decrease in central dopamine production

Reference:

  • 1) Romeo JH et al. Hyperprolactinaemia and verapamil: prevalence and potential association with hypogonadism in men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1996;45:571-5.