Home Page > Categories > Parkinson & Alzheimer > Bromocriptine Mesylate

Bromocriptine Mesylate

 

Bromocriptine Mesylate (generic Parlodel) Review

brand name: Parlodel
generic names: Bromocriptine, Bromocriptine mesilate, Bromocriptine mesylate

Why is Parlodel prescribed?

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 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.

What are Bromocriptine (Parlodel) tablets or capsules?

Bromocriptine (Parlodel®) comes from a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. It blocks the release of a hormone called prolactin that affects the menstrual cycle and breast milk production. Bromocriptine is useful in treating menstrual and fertility problems and symptoms caused by cancers (adenomas) that raise prolactin levels in the body. Bromocriptine can be used to treat Parkinson's disease. The drug is also helpful in treating acromegaly (excessive growth hormone). Generic Bromocriptine (Mesylate) tablets and capsules are available.

What is it used for?

• Parkinson's disease
  
  
• Excess growth hormone production resulting in enlarged facial features, hands and feet (acromegaly)
  
  
• Benign tumours in the pituitary gland that release prolactin (prolactinomas)
  
  
• Infertility
  
  
• Menstrual cycle disorders and premenstrual symptoms , eg headaches, breast pain, mood changes or bloating
  
  
• Benign breast disease or breast pain that occurs at certain times of the menstrual cycle
  
  
• Preventing or stopping milk production (lactation) for medical reasons following childbirth, miscarriage or abortion
  
  
• High prolactin levels that have caused suppression of the sexual glands (leading to infertility) and/or abnormal milk production in men or women
  
  

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

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

You should not take Parlodel while breastfeeding.

Why should Parlodel not be prescribed?

You should not be using 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 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 Parlodel after they have had a baby unless it is medically necessary.

What side effects may I notice from taking Bromocriptine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon :
•unusual bleeding
•blurred vision
•difficulty breathing
•fainting spells, watery nasal discharge
•severe weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•anxiety or nervousness
•diarrhea or constipation
•difficulty sleeping
•drowsiness
•dry mouth or metallic taste in mouth
•headache
•loss of appetite
•nausea
•ringing in ears
•runny nose, or unusual muscle movements
•stomach pain
•vomiting
More common :
•changes in blood pressure
•confusion or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
•persistent, or burning in hands or feet
•rash or hives
•seizures (convulsions)
•spasm in fingers or toes, tingling, chest pain or palpitations
•numbness, dizziness or lightheadedness
•unusual or severe headache
•irregular heartbeat, or stuffy nose
•mild stomach cramps
•mild swelling in feet
•tiredness
•mild weakness