Drug Name

Parlodel (Bromocriptine)

Drug Uses

Parlodel lowers prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone important for the production of breast milk and for normal fertility in women.

Parlodel 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.

Parlodel is also used to treat Parkinson's disease, which is associated with low levels of dopamine in the brain. Parlodel 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.

How to use

Use Parlodel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Parlodel by mouth with or without food.
• It may be helpful to mark on a calendar which days you are supposed to take Parlodel.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Parlodel is a dopamine agonist. It works by blocking the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland and lowering growth hormone levels (in patients with acromegaly). In Parkinson disease, Parlodel works by stimulating dopamine receptors in certain parts of the brain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Parlodel, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Parlodel at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Parlodel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Parlodel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Parlodel or to ergot alkaloids;
• you are breast-feeding;
• you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or developed high blood pressure associated with pregnancy;
• you have blood poisoning during pregnancy;
• you have recently given birth and have coronary artery disease (chest pain) or other severe heart disease;
• you are taking Parlodel only for hyperprolactinemia and become pregnant.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Parlodel without first checking with your doctor.
• If you are taking Parlodel for a brain tumor, stopping Parlodel can lead to rapid regrowth of the tumor. Do not stop taking Parlodel without talking with your doctor.
• Parlodel may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, be sure to use an additional form of birth control (eg, condoms) while using Parlodel.
• Lab tests, including blood pressure, liver and kidney function, heart function, and blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Parlodel with extreme caution in children younger than 15 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Parlodel during pregnancy. It is unknown if Parlodel is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Parlodel.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• cold sensitivity in fingers and toes; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach cramps; stuffy nose; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal involuntary movements; bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; depression; fainting; hallucinations; one-sided weakness; persistent, watery nasal discharge; progressive, severe headache; shortness of breath; ringing in the ears; seizures; slurred speech or trouble speaking; stomach pain; sudden confusion; sudden daytime sleepiness; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; vomiting blood or a substance like coffee grounds.

More Information

Parlodel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.