Bromocriptine

What is the most important information I should know about bromocriptine? 
 
Bromocriptine may cause low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution until you know how this medicine affects you. Also use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. 

If you are taking bromocriptine to treat high prolactin levels caused by a tumor, notify your doctor if you experience persistent, watery, nasal discharge. 

What is bromocriptine? 

Bromocriptine lowers prolactin (PRO lak tin) levels. Prolactin  is a hormone important for the production of breast milk and for normal fertility in women. Bromocriptine also has effects similar  to a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) that occurs naturally  in the body. 

Bromocriptine is used  to treat disorders such as amenorrhea (lack of a menstrual period), persistent breast  milk production, infertility,  and other conditions associated with high prolactin levels caused by prolactin-secreting tumors in women and in men. 

In addition, bromocriptine reduces growth hormone levels. This is useful in treating  acromegaly, a condition that involves excessive growth. 

Bromocriptine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease,  which is associated with low levels of dopamine  in the brain. Bromocriptine has effects similar to those of dopamine, which makes it effective in the treatment of the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control associated with Parkinson's disease. 

Bromocriptine may also be used  for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. 

What  should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bromocriptine? 

Before taking bromocriptine, tell your doctor if you 

• have heart disease, 
• have had a heart attack in the past, or 
• have any other serious illness. 

You may not be able  to take bromocriptine,  or you  may require  a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of  the conditions listed above. 

Bromocriptine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take bromocriptine without first talking to  your doctor if you are pregnant  or could become pregnant during treatment.
 
Bromocriptine prevents the production of breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking  to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. 

How should I take bromocriptine? 

• Take bromocriptine exactly as directed  by your doctor. If you do  not understand these directions, ask  your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. 
• Take each dose with a full glass of water. 
• Take bromocriptine with food. 
• Continue to take this medication unless your doctor recommends that  you stop. It may be some time before you see the benefits of bromocriptine. 
• It is important to take  bromocriptine regularly  to get the most benefit. 

Your doctor may want  you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with  bromocriptine to monitor progress and side effects.
 
Store bromocriptine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

What happens if I miss  a dose? 

Take the missed dose as soon as  you remember. However, if it  is almost time  for the next dose, skip the missed dose  and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do  not take  a double dose  of this medication. 

What happens if I overdose? 
 
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. 

Symptoms of a bromocriptine overdose include nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, drowsiness, yawning, confusion, and hallucinations. 

What should I avoid while taking bromocriptine? 
 
Bromocriptine may cause low blood pressure, which can lead  to dizziness  and other symptoms, especially when you rise from  a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly  and use caution until you know how  this medicine affects you. Also use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. 

What are the possible side effects of bromocriptine? 
 
Stop taking bromocriptine  and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing  of the throat; swelling  of the lips, tongue,  or face; or hives). 

If you are taking bromocriptine  to treat high prolactin levels caused by a tumor, notify  your doctor if you experience persistent, watery, nasal discharge. 

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bromocriptine and talk to  your doctor if you experience 

• mild nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps; 
• diarrhea or constipation; 
• headache, dizziness (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position), or drowsiness; 
• dry mouth; or 
• nasal stuffiness. 

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that  is unusual or bothersome. 

What other drugs will affect bromocriptine? 

Before taking bromocriptine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: 

• erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others); 
• phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant used in many over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, and diet medications); 
• albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Volmax); or 
• terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl). 

The medicines listed above may increase the effects of bromocriptine and lead to dangerous side effects. 

The effects of bromocriptine may be decreased by phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), and fluphenazine (Prolixin). Tell your doctor if you are taking a phenothiazine. A larger dose of bromocriptine may be necessary. 

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact  with bromocriptine. Talk to  your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. 

Where can I get more information? 

Your pharmacist has more information about bromocriptine written for health professionals that you may read. 

What does my medication look like? 

• Bromocriptine is available with a prescription under the brand name Parlodel. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available.  Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. 
• Parlodel 2.5 mg--white, round, scored tablets 
• Parlodel 5 mg--caramel and white capsules 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited December 24, 2009)