Parlodel (BROMOCRIPTINE) 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 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.

Common uses

Parlodel is used to treat amenorrhea, a condition in which the menstrual period does not occur; infertility (inability to get pregnant) in women; abnormal discharge of milk from the breast; hypogonadism; Parkinson's disease; and acromegaly, a condition in which too much growth hormone is in the body.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using
Before using Parlodel consult your doctor. For exact dosing instructions check the label on the medicine.
• Take Parlodel orally before or after food.
• You may mark on a calendar which days you should take Parlodel.

Directions

Parlodel (Bromocriptine) comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. It also may be taken several times a day to treat certain conditions. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take bromocriptine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking bromocriptine suddenly without talking with your doctor. It could make your condition worse.
If you are taking bromocriptine for amenorrhea, it usually takes 6-8 weeks for a menstrual period to occur. If you are taking bromocriptine to become pregnant, use a method of birth control other than oral contraceptives (birth control pills) until you have regular menstrual periods; then stop using birth control. If your menstrual period is 3 days late, call your doctor for a pregnancy test. Women who become pregnant while taking this medication should stop taking it and call their doctors immediately. If you do not wish to become pregnant, use a method of birth control other than oral contraceptives while taking bromocriptine.

Cautions

Your doctor will check your pituitary gland thoroughly before you are treated with Parlodel.
Since Parlodel 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 Parlodel. Do not use the "Pill" or oral contraceptives, as they may prevent Parlodel from working properly.
Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are being treated with Parlodel.
If you have kidney or liver disease, consult your doctor before taking Parlodel.
If you are being treated with Parlodel for endocrine problems related to a tumor and stop taking Parlodel, the tumor may grow back rapidly.
Use 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 Parlodel alone or 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 Parlodel.
If you experience a persistent watery nasal discharge while taking 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 Parlodel may cause dizziness. If so, check with your doctor.

Possible 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 Parlodel.
• More common 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.

If you take too much

The most commonly reported signs and symptoms associated with acute Parlodel (bromocriptine mesylate) overdose are: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diaphoresis, dizziness, pallor, severe hypotension, malaise, confusion, lethargy, drowsiness, delusions, hallucinations, and repetitive yawning. The lethal dose has not been established and the drug has a very wide margin of safety. However, one death occurred in a patient who committed suicide with an unknown quantity of Parlodel and chloroquine.
Treatment of overdose consists of removal of the drug by emesis (if conscious), gastric lavage, activated charcoal, or saline catharsis. Careful supervision and recording of fluid intake and output is essential. Hypotension should be treated by placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position and administering I.V. fluids. If satisfactory relief of hypotension cannot be achieved by using the above measures to their fullest extent, vasopressors should be considered.


Additional information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to bromocriptine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Drug interactions

The risk of using Parlodel in combination with other drugs has not been systematically evaluated, but alcohol may potentiate the side effects of Parlodel. Parlodel may interact with dopamine antagonists, butyrophenones, and certain other agents. Compounds in these categories result in a decreased efficacy of Parlodel: phenothiazines, haloperidol, metoclopramide, pimozide. Concomitant use of Parlodel with other ergot alkaloids is not recommended.