Parlodel Medication - Uses & Side Effects

BROMOCRIPTINE (Parlodel®) comes from a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. It blocks the release of a hormone called prolactin that affects the menstrual cycle and breast milk production. Bromocriptine is useful in treating menstrual and fertility problems and symptoms caused by cancers (adenomas) that raise prolactin levels in the body. Bromocriptine can be used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Parlodel Dosage

• Parlodel is available as 2.5-milligram tablets and 5-milligram capsules. Dosage information given is for 2.5-milligram tablets.

Uses of Parlodel

• It is used to treat a infertility in some women.
• It is also used to menstrual problems such as the abnormal stoppage or absence of flow, with or without excessive production of milk.
• It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:
  Growth hormone overproduction leading to acromegaly, a condition characterized by an abnormally large skull, jaw, hands, and feet
  Parkinson's disease
  Pituitary gland tumors

Side Effects of Parlodel

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
• indigestion
• light-headedness
• loss of appetite
• loss of coordination
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• uncontrolled body movement

Warnings and precautions before taking Parlodel :

• 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.
• 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.

Drug Interaction :- 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)

Overdose

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.Symptoms of Parlodel overdose may include:

• Confusion
• constipation
• delusions
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• feeling unwell
• hallucinations
• lethargy
• nausea
• pallor
• severely low blood pressure
• sweating
• vomiting
• yawning repeatedly