bromocriptine Health Article

Generic name(s):

bromocriptine

Brand name(s):

Parlodel

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.