Parlodel

The active ingredient in Parlodel is bromocriptine mesylate, which is a dopamine receptor agonist. It stimulates (turns on) dopamine receptors to reduce excessive hormone levels and enhance mobility.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Parlodel. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Parlodel:

• Parlodel should be taken with food, even if it is at bedtime. This can help prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after taking the drug.
• You may need to divide your tablet in half to acquire the correct dose. The tablets have a line in the middle to guide you. You can buy a pill splitter to assist you cut the tablets in half.
• You should not stop using Parlodel abruptly. Follow your doctor's recommendations for tapering your dosage.
• If you miss a dose of Parlodel, take the missed dose with food as soon as possible, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

The most common side effects of bromocriptine seen in clinical trials include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).
• Lightheadedness.
• Stomach cramps.
• Drowsiness or tiredness.
• Dry mouth.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Parlodel. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure (hypertension): chest pain, a persistent headache, irregular pulse, eyesight issues, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, and blood in the urine.
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and shortness of breath.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Parlodel. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Parlodel, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Parlodel should not be used if you are allergic to bromocriptine or an ergot medication such as ergotamine (Ergomar) or dihydroergotamine (Migranal or Trudhesa), which is a medicine used to treat migraine headaches.
• Parlodel should not be used if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, high blood pressure caused by pregnancy (eclampsia or preeclampsia), or if you just had a baby and have a history of coronary artery disease or serious heart disease. If you become pregnant while taking Parlodel, you may need to discontinue your medication. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Parlodel may lead you to fall asleep unexpectedly, even if you are attentive. Avoid driving or engaging in other hazardous activities until you know how this medication may affect you.
• Bromocriptine may include lactose. Before taking Parlodel, inform your doctor if you have a congenital form of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had high or low blood pressure, heart disease or a heart attack, liver or kidney disease, a pituitary gland tumor, a stomach ulcer, stomach or intestinal bleeding, or mental illness or psychosis.
• People with Parkinson's disease may be more likely to get skin cancer (melanoma). Consult your doctor about skin problems to look out for.
• Use an effective form of birth control (other than oral contraceptives) to keep from getting pregnant while taking this medication.
• Pulmonary fibrosis has been reported when bromocriptine was used in high doses for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
• Prolactin-secreting adenomas may expand and compression of optic/other cranial nerves may occur.

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is not safe for you to consume.

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• History of allergy to ergot alkaloids.
• Postpartum period (after childbirth) in females with a history of heart disease.

Your provider will most likely start you on a low dose of Parlodel and gradually increase it over days or weeks, so it may take weeks or months to see the full results, depending on the disease you're being treated for.

When Parlodel is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antidepressants, sedatives, or opioids.
• Antibiotics, antifungal medications, and antimalarial medicines.
• Asthma or allergy medications.
• Cancer treatment and medications used to avoid organ transplant rejection.
• Simvastatin (Zocor).
• Certain oral diabetic medicines.
• Some medications for the heart, blood pressure, and heart rhythm.
• HIV/AIDS medicines.
• Seizure medicines.
• Sildenafil (Viagra) and other erectile dysfunction drugs.
• Stomach acid reducers.

Typical dose for Parlodel:

For acromegaly (high levels of growth hormones) in adults, the beginning dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg taken orally after dinner but before bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose every few days if necessary. The typical maintenance dose is 20 to 30 mg once a day.

For high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia), the typical starting dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg taken orally once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose every few days if necessary. The average maintenance dose is 2.5 to 15 mg once a day.

For Parkinson's disease, the beginning dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg taken orally twice a day with meals. Your doctor may increase your dose every few weeks if necessary. The maximum daily dose is 100mg.

Store your Parlodel at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Parlodel is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

There are several lower-cost generics available of Parlodel.

Parlodel may take many weeks to become effective. Do not stop taking this medication or reduce the dosage you are taking without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to gradually lower the amount you are using before discontinuing completely.

There is not enough information to determine whether Parlodel is safe to take during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether Parlodel is the best option for your case.

If you are breastfeeding, do not use Parlodel. It is not known if it passes into breast milk but it can prevent milk production because of its effects on prolactin. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend the best way to feed your infant.