Parlodel (Bromocriptine Mesylate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Parlodel

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Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

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Parlodel

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Parlodel Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bromocriptine (Parlodel)?

Some people taking bromocriptine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bromocriptine, or if you have:

uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
hypertension caused by pregnancy, including eclampsia and preeclampsia; or
if you are allergic to any type of ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

Bromocriptine may contain lactose. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a hereditary form of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use bromocriptine:

heart disease or a history of heart attack,
high blood pressure;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
a stomach ulcer or history of stomach or intestinal bleeding; or
a history of mental illness or psychosis.

Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant while taking bromocriptine.

Some women take bromocriptine in order to normalize menstrual periods and increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Tell your doctor as soon as you become pregnant. You will most likely need to stop taking the medication at that time.

Bromocriptine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, a brain tumor can expand during pregnancy. Hypertension (high blood pressure) can also occur during pregnancy and bromocriptine could be dangerous if taken by a pregnant woman with high blood pressure.

If you are not taking this medication to help you get pregnant, use a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking bromocriptine. Your doctor may also want you to have a pregnancy test every 4 weeks during treatment.

You may not be able to take bromocriptine just after having a baby if you have a history of severe heart disease or coronary artery disease. Talk with your doctor about your specific situation.

Bromocriptine lowers the hormone needed to produce breast milk. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take bromocriptine (Parlodel)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take bromocriptine with food, even if you take it at bedtime.

It is important to use bromocriptine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your heart, blood pressure, vision, kidney function, or liver function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Store bromocriptine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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