Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia, or excessive levels of the hormone prolactin in the body, include irregular menstrual cycles, discharge from the nipples, infertility (difficulty getting pregnant), and hypogonadism. Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is used to treat these symptoms (low levels of certain natural substances needed for normal development and sexual function). When used to treat hyperprolactinemia brought on by specific prolactin-producing tumour types, bromocriptine (Parlodel) has the potential to reduce these tumours. The drug bromocriptine (Parlodel) is also used to treat Parkinson’s disease and acromegaly, a condition in which the body secretes too much growth hormone (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). For persons with type 2 diabetes, bromocriptine (Cycloset) is sometimes combined with additional drugs, along with a diet and exercise programme, to regulate blood sugar levels (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). It is not recommended to use bromocriptine (Cycloset) to treat diabetic ketoacidosis or type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the body does not create insulin and cannot regulate blood sugar levels (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated). Dopamine receptor agonists, which include bromocriptine, are a class of drugs. By reducing the body’s prolactin levels, it treats hyperprolactinemia. It reduces the body’s production of growth hormone in order to cure acromegaly. It combats Parkinson’s disease by igniting the motor neurons. It is unknown how bromocriptine combats diabetes.

Both a capsule and a tablet for oral use are available for bromocriptine (Parlodel). A tablet to be swallowed contains bromocriptine (brand name: Cycloset). To treat hyperprolactinemia, bromocriptine (Parlodel) is typically used once daily with food. When treating acromegaly, bromocriptine (Parlodel) is often taken once day with food at bedtime. Parkinson’s disease is typically treated with bromocriptine (Parlodel), which is typically taken twice daily with food. Typically, one dose of bromocriptine (Cycloset) is taken with breakfast within two hours of waking up each morning. Take bromocriptine every day at around the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Take bromocriptine as prescribed by your doctor. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Most likely, your doctor will put you on a low dose of bromocriptine and gradually increase it, not more frequently than once every two to 28 days. The disease being treated and how you react to the drug will determine when the dose is increased.

Although it won’t treat your disease, bromocriptine may help you manage it. You might not experience all of bromocriptine’s benefits right away. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking bromocriptine. If you abruptly stop taking bromocriptine, you can experience anxiety, depression, fatigue, trouble falling or staying asleep, sweating, pain, or a lack of interest or concern for routine activities or things you typically care about. Your dose will likely be gradually reduced by your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient if you are taking bromocriptine (Cycloset) for diabetes.

When used to suppress breast milk production in women who have undergone an abortion, had a stillbirth, or have chosen not to breastfeed, bromocriptine may have serious or fatal side effects. When using this drug to treat your disease, discuss any potential dangers with your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you think this drug may be recommended for other conditions.

Before taking bromocriptine,

• Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to bromocriptine, any other medications, any of the ingredients in bromocriptine tablets or capsules, or any ergot alkaloids such as cabergoline (Dostinex), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Beller Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal items, nutritional supplements, and any drugs you are now taking or intend to take. Any of the following should be mentioned: Antifungals such itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral), antihistamines, chloramphenicol, dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexpak), and other dopamine agonists like cabergoline (Dostinex), levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa), pergolide (Permax), and ropinirole (Requip); Amitriptyline (Elavil); drugs with an ergot-like component, such as methysergide (Sansert), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), and dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), as well as ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Bellergal-S, Cafergot, Ergomar, Wigraine); a few drugs for HIV/AIDS, including indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), and ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra); oral diabetic medications; macrolide antibiotics such clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPac) and erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); medications for asthma, colds, high blood pressure, migraines, and nausea; medications for mental illness such as methyldopa (in Aldoril); metoclopramide (Reglan); nefazodone; octreotide (Sandostatin); pimozide (Orap); probenecid (in Col-Probenecid, Probalan); and thiothixene (Navane) and ziprasidone; rifampin (Rifadin, in Rifamate, in Rifater, Rimactane), sumatriptan, and reserpine (Imitrex). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects. Bromocriptine may interact with a wide range of other drugs, so be careful to tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, even those not on this list.
• If you experience fainting spells from migraine headaches or high blood pressure, let your doctor know. You might be advised by your doctor not to take bromocriptine.
• Inform your physician if you have recently given birth, have ever fainted, have a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, mental illness, low blood pressure, ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, Raynaud’s syndrome (a condition in which the hands and feet become numb and cool when exposed to cold temperatures), have heart, kidney, or liver disease, or any condition that prevents you from digesting foods rich in sugar, starch, or fibre.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Use a method of birth control other than hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections) until you have regular menstrual periods, and then discontinue using birth control if you are taking bromocriptine (Parlodel) to treat irregular menstruation and infertility brought on by hyperprolactinemia. As long as you haven’t had your period, you should get tested for pregnancy once every four weeks. When your menstruation starts again and is more than three days late, you should get tested for pregnancy. Use a birth control method other than hormonal contraceptives if you don’t want to get pregnant while taking bromocriptine. If you become pregnant while using bromocriptine, notify your doctor right away and stop taking the drug.
• If you are on bromocriptine, avoid breastfeeding.
• You should inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking bromocriptine if you are having surgery, including dental surgery (Cycloset).
• You should be aware that bromocriptine may produce drowsiness and unexpected sleepiness. Prior to understanding how this drug affects you, avoid using machinery or driving a car.
• Consult your doctor about whether drinking alcohol is safe while taking bromocriptine. The negative effects of bromocriptine can be exacerbated by alcohol.
• You should be aware that some persons who used drugs like bromocriptine experienced strong obsessive or odd desires or behaviours, such as increased sexual urges or behaviours, excessive shopping, or compulsive gambling. If you can’t control your behaviour or you have strong cravings to shop, have sex, or gamble, call your doctor. Informing your family about this risk can enable them to seek medical attention even if you are unaware that your gambling or any other strong cravings or strange actions have become a problem.
• If you rise up suddenly from a lying position while taking bromocriptine, you can experience dizziness, nausea, sweating, and faintness. This is more typical when bromocriptine is first started or when the dose is raised. To avoid this problem, slowly get out of bed and stand up after putting your feet on the floor for a while.
• Consult your doctor for advice if you become ill, suffer extraordinary stress, acquire an infection or fever, or if you sustain an injury. Your blood sugar levels and the potential dosage of bromocriptine (Cycloset) may be impacted by certain diseases.

If you plan to consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice while taking this medication, consult your doctor.

Make sure to abide by all dietary and exercise advice given to you by your physician or nutritionist.

Take the missed dose of bromocriptine (Parlodel) as soon as you remember if you take it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Wait until the following morning to take your medication if you take bromocriptine (Cycloset) once daily and forget to take it in the morning. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Your blood sugar levels may alter as a result of this drug. You should be aware of the signs of low and high blood sugar as well as what to do if you experience these signs.

There may be negative effects from bromocriptine. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Reduced appetite
• Headache
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Feeling unsteady or lightheaded
• Drowsiness
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep
• Depression

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Fainting
• Nasal discharge that is watery
• Finger pain, tingling, or numbness, especially in cold conditions.
• Stool that is dark and tarry
• Tainted vomit
• Vomiting what appears to be coffee grounds
• Edoema in the lower legs, ankles, or foot
• Seizures
• Terrible headache
• Distorted or poor vision
• Slow or challenging speech
• Arm or leg that is weak or numb
• Chest ache
• Arm, back, neck, or jaw discomfort
• Breathing difficulty
• Confusion
• Hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)

Other negative effects of bromocriptine may occur. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from light, excessive heat, and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose symptoms could include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Light skin
• Broad sense of unease or discomfort
• Not enough energy
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Hallucinations (seeing objects or hearing voices that do not exist)
• Assuming falsehoods to be true
• Repeatedly yawning

Keep all of your appointments with the lab, your physician, and your eye doctor. Regular blood pressure checks are advised. To monitor your body’s response to bromocriptine, your doctor may prescribe routine eye exams and specific lab tests. You should routinely check your blood sugar and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) to see how well you’re responding to bromocriptine (Cycloset). Your doctor will also instruct you on how to measure your blood or urine sugar levels at home in order to monitor your response to bromocriptine (Cycloset). Pay close attention to these guidelines.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.