Bromocriptine Description

Generic Name: BROMOCRIPTINE

Pronunciation: (broe moe krip teen)

Trade Name(s): Parlodel

Why it is prescribed: Bromocriptine is used to dry up breast milk when a mother chooses not to breast-feed her newborn baby. It is also used to treat certain tumors in men and women, amenorrhea, a condition in which the menstrual period does not occur in women who wish to become pregnant; abnormal discharge of milk from the breast; Parkinson's disease; and acromegaly, a condition in which too much growth hormone is in the body.

When it is to be taken: Bromocriptine usually is taken several times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. If you are taking this drug for amenorrhea, it usually takes six to eight weeks for a menstrual period to occur.

How it should be taken: Bromocriptine comes in the form of tablets and capsules. Your doctor may instruct you to increase the dosage gradually over several days. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Special Instruction:
1. Take only the amount prescribed by your doctor.
2. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval.
3. If you are taking this drug in an attempt to become pregnant, use a method of birth control other than pills until you have regular menstrual periods, then stop using birth control.
4. If your menstrual period is three days late, contact your doctor for a pregnancy test. Women who become pregnant while taking this medication should stop taking it and notify their doctor immediately.
5. If you do not wish to become pregnant, use a method of birth control other than pills while taking bromocriptine.
6. Bromocriptine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.

Side Effects:
1. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and faintness when you arise from a lying or sitting position occrus rarely. Try getting up slowly.
2. If nausea persists, take the medication with meals .
3. Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea are common. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or severe.
4. Swelling of feet and ankles, palpitations, severe headache, vision problems, nasal congestion are rare. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. Women who are breast-feeding babies should not use Bromocriptine.
2. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart attack, angina (heart pain), liver disease, kidney disease, psychiatric illness, or circulation problems in the fingers in cold weather.
3. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor about any prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially oral contraceptives, levodopa, and medication for high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or depression.
4. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking bromocriptine.
5. This drug decreases your tolerance to alcohol. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.