Brand name: Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
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Generic name: Bromocriptine mesylate
Why is Bromocriptine (Parlodel) prescribed?

Bromocriptine (Parlodel) inhibits the secretion of the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland. It also mimics the action of dopamine, a chemical lacking in the brain of someone with Parkinson's disease. It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

* Infertility in some women
* Menstrual problems such as the abnormal stoppage or absence of flow, with or without excessive production of milk
* Growth hormone overproduction leading to acromegaly, a condition characterized by an abnormally large skull, jaw, hands, and feet
* Parkinson's disease
* Pituitary gland tumors

Some doctors also prescribe Bromocriptine (Parlodel) to treat cocaine addiction, the eye condition known as glaucoma, erection problems in certain men, restless leg syndrome, and a dangerous reaction to major tranquilizers called neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Most important fact about Bromocriptine (Parlodel) without prescriptions:

Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a severe headache that does not let up or continues to get worse. It could be a warning of the possibility of other dangerous reactions, including seizure, stroke, or heart attack.
How should you take Bromocriptine (Parlodel)?

Bromocriptine (Parlodel) should be taken with food. Take the first dose while lying down. You may faint or become dizzy due to lower blood pressure, especially following the first dose.

You may not feel the full effect of Bromocriptine (Parlodel) for a few weeks. Do not stop taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel) without first checking with your doctor.

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember if it is within 4 hours of the scheduled time. Otherwise, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions...
information...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
Bromocriptine (Parlodel) side effects

The number and severity of side effects depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, dosage, and duration of treatment. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel).

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps or discomfort, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, hallucinations (particularly in Parkinson's patients), headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, nasal congestion, nausea, shortness of breath, uncontrolled body movement, vertigo, visual disturbance, vomiting, weakness

Some of the above side effects are also symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Why should Bromocriptine (Parlodel) not be prescribed?

You should not be using Bromocriptine (Parlodel) if you have high blood pressure that is not under control or if you are pregnant (unless your doctor finds it medically necessary). You should also not take Bromocriptine (Parlodel) if you are allergic to it or to any other drugs containing ergot alkaloids, such as Bellergal-S and Cafergot.

Women who have severe heart conditions should not use Bromocriptine (Parlodel) after they have had a baby unless it is medically necessary.
Special warnings about Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

Your doctor will check your pituitary gland thoroughly before you are treated with Bromocriptine (Parlodel).

Since Bromocriptine (Parlodel) prescriptions without can restore fertility and pregnancy can result, women who do not want to become pregnant should use a "barrier" method of contraception during treatment with Bromocriptine (Parlodel). Do not use the "Pill" or oral contraceptives, as they may prevent Bromocriptine (Parlodel) from working properly.

Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are being treated with Bromocriptine (Parlodel).

If you have kidney or liver disease, consult your doctor before taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel).

If you are being treated with Bromocriptine (Parlodel) for endocrine problems related to a tumor and stop taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel), the tumor may grow back rapidly.

Use Bromocriptine (Parlodel) with caution if you have had mental problems, any disease of the heart and circulatory system, peptic ulcer, or bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

If you are being treated for Parkinson's disease, the use of Bromocriptine (Parlodel) alone or Bromocriptine (Parlodel) with levodopa may cause hallucinations, confusion, and low blood pressure. If this happens, notify your doctor immediately.

If you have an abnormal heartbeat rhythm caused by a previous heart attack, consult your doctor before taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel).

If you experience a persistent watery nasal discharge while taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel), notify your doctor.

This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure about your ability to do so.

Your first dose of Bromocriptine (Parlodel) may cause dizziness. If so, check with your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

Combining alcohol with Bromocriptine (Parlodel) can cause blurred vision, chest pain, pounding heartbeat, throbbing headache, confusion, and other problems. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Bromocriptine (Parlodel).

Certain drugs used for psychotic conditions, including Thorazine and Haldol, inhibit the action of Bromocriptine (Parlodel). It is important that you consult your doctor before taking these drugs while on Bromocriptine (Parlodel) therapy.

Other drugs that may interact with Bromocriptine (Parlodel) include:
Blood pressure-lowering drugs such as Aldomet and Catapres
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Oral contraceptives
Other ergot derivatives such as Hydergine
Pimozide (Orap)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The use of Bromocriptine (Parlodel) during pregnancy should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor. If Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is essential to your treatment, your doctor will carefully monitor you throughout your pregnancy.

You should not take Bromocriptine (Parlodel) while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

ADULTS
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Bromocriptine (Parlodel), contact your doctor immediately or seek other medical attention.

* Symptoms of Bromocriptine (Parlodel) overdose may include:
Confusion, constipation, delusions, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling unwell, hallucinations, lethargy, nausea, pallor, severely low blood pressure, sweating, vomiting, yawning repeatedly