MedlinePlus Drug Information: Bromocriptine

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Bromocriptine

(broe moe krip' teen)

Brand name(s): Parlodel

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Bromocriptine is used to treat amenorrhea, a condition in which the menstrual period does not occur; infertility (inability to get pregnant) in women; abnormal discharge of milk from the breast; hypogonadism; Parkinson's disease; and acromegaly, a condition in which too much growth hormone is in the body.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Bromocriptine comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. It also may be taken several times a day to treat certain conditions. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take bromocriptine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking bromocriptine suddenly without talking with your doctor. It could make your condition worse.

If you are taking bromocriptine for amenorrhea, it usually takes 6-8 weeks for a menstrual period to occur. If you are taking bromocriptine to become pregnant, use a method of birth control other than oral contraceptives (birth control pills) until you have regular menstrual periods; then stop using birth control. If your menstrual period is 3 days late, call your doctor for a pregnancy test. Women who become pregnant while taking this medication should stop taking it and call their doctors immediately. If you do not wish to become pregnant, use a method of birth control other than oral contraceptives while taking bromocriptine.

Other uses for this medicine

Bromocriptine also is used to treat certain tumors in men and women, a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome; cocaine addiction; and a painful breast condition. Talk with your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking bromocriptine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bromocriptine, ergotamine, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially erythromycin (E-Mycin); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); medications for high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or depression; oral contraceptives; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney, heart, or liver disease, a heart attack, angina (chest pain), mental illness, or circulation problems in your fingers in cold weather.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bromocriptine, call your doctor.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Bromocriptine may cause an upset stomach. Take bromocriptine with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take bromocriptine several times a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose when it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you take bromocriptine once a day at bedtime and do not remember it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from bromocriptine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness
upset stomach
headache
fatigue
vomiting
constipation

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

swelling of the feet or ankles
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
confusion
watery discharge from nose

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to bromocriptine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer