Brand
name: Parlodel
Pronounced: PAR-luh-del
Generic name: Bromocriptine mesylate
Why is Parlodel prescribed?
Parlodel inhibits the secretion of the hormone prolactin from the
pituitary gland. It also mimics the action of dopamine, a chemical
lacking in the brain of someone with Parkinson's disease. It is used
to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:
* Infertility in some women
* Menstrual problems such as the abnormal stoppage or absence of flow, with
or without excessive production of milk
* Growth hormone overproduction leading to acromegaly, a condition characterized
by an abnormally large skull, jaw, hands, and feet
* Parkinson's disease
* Pituitary gland tumors
Some doctors also prescribe Parlodel to treat cocaine addiction, the
eye condition known as glaucoma, erection problems in certain men,
restless leg syndrome, and a dangerous reaction to major tranquilizers
called neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Most important fact about Parlodel without prescriptions:
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a severe headache that
does not let up or continues to get worse. It could be a warning of
the possibility of other dangerous reactions, including seizure, stroke,
or heart attack.
How should you take Parlodel?
Parlodel should be taken with food. Take the first dose while lying
down. You may faint or become dizzy due to lower blood pressure, especially
following the first dose.
You may not feel the full effect of Parlodel for a few weeks. Do not
stop taking Parlodel without first checking with your doctor.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember if it is within 4 hours of the scheduled
time. Otherwise, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
information...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
Parlodel side effects
The number and severity of side effects depend on many factors, including
the condition being treated, dosage, and duration of treatment. Side
effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Parlodel.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps or discomfort, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea,
dizziness, drop in blood pressure, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue,
hallucinations (particularly in Parkinson's patients), headache, inability
to sleep, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination,
nasal congestion, nausea, shortness of breath, uncontrolled body movement,
vertigo, visual disturbance, vomiting, weakness
Some of the above side effects are also symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Why should Parlodel not be prescribed?
You should not be using Parlodel if you have high blood pressure that
is not under control or if you are pregnant (unless your doctor finds
it medically necessary). You should also not take Parlodel if you are
allergic to it or to any other drugs containing ergot alkaloids, such
as Bellergal-S and Cafergot.
Women who have severe heart conditions should not use Parlodel after
they have had a baby unless it is medically necessary.
Special warnings about Parlodel
Your doctor will check your pituitary gland thoroughly before you
are treated with Parlodel.
Since Parlodel can restore fertility and pregnancy can result, women
who do not want to become pregnant should use a "barrier" method
of contraception during treatment with Parlodel. Do not use the "Pill" or
oral contraceptives, as they may prevent Parlodel from working properly.
Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are
being treated with Parlodel.
If you have kidney or liver disease, consult your doctor before taking
Parlodel.
If you are being treated with Parlodel for endocrine problems related
to a tumor and stop taking Parlodel, the tumor may grow back rapidly.
Use Parlodel with caution if you have had mental problems, any disease
of the heart and circulatory system, peptic ulcer, or bleeding in the
stomach and intestines.
If you are being treated for Parkinson's disease, the use of Parlodel
alone or Parlodel with levodopa may cause hallucinations, confusion,
and low blood pressure. If this happens, notify your doctor immediately.
If you have an abnormal heartbeat rhythm caused by a previous heart
attack, consult your doctor before taking Parlodel.
If you experience a persistent watery nasal discharge while taking
Parlodel, notify your doctor.
This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially
dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require
full alertness if you are unsure about your ability to do so.
Your first dose of Parlodel may cause dizziness. If so, check with
your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Parlodel
Combining alcohol with Parlodel can cause blurred vision, chest pain,
pounding heartbeat, throbbing headache, confusion, and other problems.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Parlodel.
Certain drugs used for psychotic conditions, including Thorazine and
Haldol, inhibit the action of Parlodel. It is important that you consult
your doctor before taking these drugs while on Parlodel therapy.
Other drugs that may interact with Parlodel include:
Blood pressure-lowering drugs such as Aldomet and Catapres
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Oral contraceptives
Other ergot derivatives such as Hydergine
Pimozide (Orap)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The use of Parlodel during pregnancy should be discussed thoroughly
with your doctor. If Parlodel is essential to your treatment, your
doctor will carefully monitor you throughout your pregnancy.
You should not take Parlodel while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Parlodel
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose of Parlodel, contact your doctor immediately or
seek other medical attention.
