Bromocriptine nondopamine works by direct stimulation of dopamine receptors in the brain. What is its drug class?

• A. Anticholinergic
• B. Dopamine receptor agonist
• C. MAO-B inhibitor
• D. COMT inhibitor

Answer: (B)

Direct stimulation of dopamine receptors means the drug acts as a receptor partner, turning on dopamine-like signals without needing to be converted or to block breakdown. Bromocriptine fits this by binding to dopamine receptors in the brain and activating them, mainly the D2 type. That makes it a dopamine receptor agonist. It’s an ergot-derived agent used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms and hyperprolactinemia because it directly mimics dopamine’s action. It isn’t an anticholinergic, nor does it inhibit MAO-B or COMT—those options work by different mechanisms (blocking acetylcholine effects or slowing dopamine breakdown indirectly), not by directly activating dopamine receptors.