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Home > Drug Category > Parkinson's Disease, Dopamine Agonists > Parlodel and Equivalent

Parlodel Information

Parlodel (Bromocriptine) is a versatile medication used to treat a variety of conditions. It is used to treat conditions with abnormally high levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood (hyperprolactinemia). Unusually high prolactin levels have been implicated in some cases of menstrual irregularities, abnormal milky discharge from the nipple, and infertility in women. Essentially, Parlodel can help treat these symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia. Parlodel is also used to manage and may even shrink certain types of pituitary tumors (prolactinomas) that produce too much prolactin, such as pituitary adenoma.

Asides from its role in regulating prolactin levels, bromocriptine can be used alone or along with other medications (like levodopa) to help manage the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a dopamine deficiency in the brain, leading to movement and coordination abnormalities. Parlodel has also been proven effective in treating acromegaly, a condition in which the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone. Parlodel is used to help lower these elevated growth hormone levels, sometimes alongside surgery or radiation therapy.

Bromocriptine is a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid derivative, which works mainly as a dopamine receptor agonist. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that, when it acts on its receptors in the brain, helps inhibit the secretion of prolactin. Bromocriptine acts like dopamine by stimulating these receptors, thereby blocking prolactin secretion. This dopaminergic effect makes it helpful in treating acromegaly and Parkinson's disease, as it blocks the release of growth hormone and enhances dopamine's effects on movement and balance.

Parlodel Side Effects

Since it's a drug that affects dopamine, many of the side effects touch on the digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Some common mild side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, nightmares, trouble sleeping, and vomiting.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Easy bruising and bleeding;
• Frequent urination;
• Gastrointestinal bleeding with symptoms such as black, tarry stools, or vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds;
• Heart attack with symptoms like fainting, nausea and vomiting, chest pain;
• Lung problems such as chest pain, cough, difficulty in breathing;
• Neurological or mental disorders with symptoms like hallucinations, compulsive behaviors, confusion, uncontrolled movements of the body, depression, nervousness, and seizures;
• Stroke with symptoms like difficulty speaking, differential limb weakness on one side of the body, headache

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Parlodel Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to bromocriptine, other ingredients in Parlodel, or any other medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Heart disease;
• High blood pressure;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Lung problems;
• Mental disorders such as depression, psychosis;
• Peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding

Bromocriptine may cause you to become excessively drowsy or even fall asleep suddenly, often with no warning. For safety, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know exactly how the medication affects you. Consult your doctor before taking this medication during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while on Parlodel to treat a prolactinoma (especially caused by a pituitary tumor), your doctor will monitor you closely, especially if you have hypertension in pregnancy. While many women are advised to stop the drug, the tumor itself can sometimes enlarge during pregnancy, making continuous monitoring essential. Bromocriptine prevents lactation, so do not use this medication if you are breastfeeding.

Certain medications such as ergotamine, antivirals may interact with bromocriptine, causing adverse effects. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines, to determine if it is safe to use along with Parlodel. Take these bromocriptine capsules and tablets by mouth with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not stop the medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you, because stopping quickly can cause symptoms to return. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase dizziness or nausea. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage instructions. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Parlodel?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Parlodel.