Which medication class is known to cause nipple discharge?

Which medication class is known to cause nipple discharge?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Lisinopril
• D. Antipsychotics

Answer: (D)

Drugs that block dopamine in the pituitary can raise prolactin levels, leading to galactorrhea. Antipsychotics are classic for this because many are D2 receptor antagonists; blocking dopamine’s inhibitory signal on lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary lifts prolactin secretion, which can cause nipple discharge (galactorrhea) and sometimes menstrual irregularities. This is why this medication class is the best answer. The other listed medications don’t typically affect prolactin levels or cause nipple discharge—acetaminophen and vitamin C don’t influence prolactin, and lisinopril isn’t known for this effect.

Drugs that block dopamine in the pituitary can raise prolactin levels, leading to galactorrhea. Antipsychotics are classic for this because many are D2 receptor antagonists; blocking dopamine’s inhibitory signal on lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary lifts prolactin secretion, which can cause nipple discharge (galactorrhea) and sometimes menstrual irregularities. This is why this medication class is the best answer. The other listed medications don’t typically affect prolactin levels or cause nipple discharge—acetaminophen and vitamin C don’t influence prolactin, and lisinopril isn’t known for this effect.