A patient on haloperidol develops hyperthermia, severe muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and elevated creatine kinase. He is diagnosed with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Which drug acts as a dopamine agonist to counteract the central dopamine blockade responsible for this condition?
- A Bromocriptine ✓
- B Dantrolene
- C Lorazepam
- D Cyproheptadine
Correct answer: A. Bromocriptine
Explanation
Bromocriptine is a dopamine D2 agonist that directly counteracts the central dopamine receptor blockade causing NMS. Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant that reduces rigidity by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but it does not reverse the dopaminergic pathophysiology. Cyproheptadine is used for serotonin syndrome. Lorazepam is used for agitation or associated seizures.
Reference: Katzung and Trevor's Pharmacology, 12th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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