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

Parlodel Dosage

If you are being treated for conditions associated with excess prolactin, such as menstrual problems, with or without excessive milk production, infertility, or pituitary gland tumors, then the usual starting dose is one-half to 1 tablet daily. The usual longer term dose is 5 to 7.5 milligrams per day and ranges from 2.5 to 15 milligrams per day.
Treatment for the overproduction of growth hormones is usually one-half to 1 tablet with food at bedtime for 3 days.
If you have Parkinson's Disease, then the usual starting dose of Parlodel is one-half tablet twice a day with meals. If necessary, then your doctor may increase the dose every 14 to 28 days by 1 tablet per day.

Uses of Parlodel

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

Side Effects of Parlodel

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Parlodel. Side effects may include:

Abdominal cramps or discomfort
confusion
diarrhea
fatigue
hallucinations (particularly in Parkinson's patients)
light-headedness
nasal congestion
shortness of breath
uncontrolled body movement
vertigo
weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Parlodel:

If you have kidney or liver disease, then you should consult your doctor before taking Parlodel.
You should 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.
Your first dose of Parlodel may cause dizziness. If so, check with your doctor.
Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are being treated with Parlodel.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Parlodel, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Parlodel medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Parlodel with the following:-

Blood pressure-lowering drugs such as Aldomet and Catapres
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Oral contraceptives
Other ergot derivatives such as Hydergine
Pimozide (Orap)

Overdose

When you are taking Parlodel, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a Parlodel overdose may include:

Confusion
constipation
delusions
dizziness
feeling unwell
hallucinations
lethargy
nausea
pallor
severely low blood pressure
sweating
vomiting
yawning repeatedly

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