The efficacy and tolerability of a slow-release preparation of bromocriptine (Parlodel SRO) were compared to those of conventional bromocriptine (Parlodel R) in a double blind, double dummy study of 12 hyperprolactinemic women (plasma PRL 81.3 +/- 4.73, ng/ml mean +/- SEM). For 2 weeks, the patients received 2.5 mg b.i.d. Parlodel R or 5 mg once daily Parlodel SRO; for the following 2 weeks, the dose of the drugs was doubled. The patients were then treated, in an open study, with 2.5-10 mg daily Parlodel SRO for 6 months. Both preparations caused a prompt and sharp PRL fall. Hormone levels remained inhibited over the whole month of observation with both preparations. Daily PRL profiles were very close with either drug although morning PRl levels were slightly higher during Parlodel SRO than during Parlodel R administration. Doubling the doses of the two drugs did not result in further significant lowering of PRL values. During the 6-month study with Parlodel SRO, plasma PRL further decreased and normalized in 11 of 12 patients. Clinical improvement occurred in the majority of cases. Tolerability of Parlodel SRO appeared to be better, though without statistically significant differences, than that of Parlodel R. Side effects were less important with the former compound in their number, severity and duration. In conclusion, thanks to its favourable pharmacological profile, Parlodel SRO appears to be a valuable alternative to regular bromocriptine in the management of hyperprolactinemia.