Why is this medication prescribed?

Parlodel is a brand name for bromocriptine, a medication that is primarily prescribed for the treatment of conditions related to the hormone dopamine in the body. It is commonly used for the following purposes:

• Hyperprolactinemia: Parlodel is often prescribed to treat conditions characterized by elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk. Hyperprolactinemia can lead to various symptoms, including irregular menstrual periods, infertility, and galactorrhea (abnormal milk production).
• Prolactinomas: This medication is used to manage prolactin-secreting tumors (prolactinomas) of the pituitary gland. These tumors can cause excessive production of prolactin, leading to hormonal imbalances and associated symptoms.
• Acromegaly: Parlodel may be prescribed as part of the treatment for acromegaly, a condition characterized by the excessive production of growth hormone, often caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Bromocriptine is also used in the management of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. It helps to alleviate some of the symptoms by acting as a dopamine agonist.

How should this medicine be used?

The usage of Parlodel (bromocriptine) should be strictly based on your healthcare provider’s instructions. The following general guidelines are provided, but individual cases may vary, so always follow your doctor’s recommendations:

• Dosage: Take Parlodel exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosage can vary depending on the specific condition being treated. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
• Administration: Parlodel is typically taken orally. It can be taken with or without food, but it is often recommended to take it with food to minimize potential stomach upset.
• Consistency: Take Parlodel at the same times each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose.
• Duration of Treatment: Continue taking Parlodel for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely may result in the return of symptoms.
• Medical Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may perform regular medical check-ups and tests to monitor your response to Parlodel and to check for any potential side effects.
• Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe reactions. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Parlodel in such situations.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Parlodel.

It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the safe and effective use of Parlodel. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for clarification.

Other uses for this medicine

In addition to treating conditions related to elevated prolactin levels, Parlodel has been used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It acts by mimicking the effects of dopamine in the brain, which helps alleviate symptoms associated with dopamine deficiency.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Parlodel, and it’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider. Here are some general precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your healthcare provider. Parlodel may have specific considerations and potential risks during pregnancy, and your doctor will assess the benefits and risks before prescribing it in such situations.
• Liver Disease: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any liver problems, as the metabolism of Parlodel occurs in the liver. Adjustments to the dosage may be necessary in individuals with impaired liver function.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease or hypertension, your healthcare provider should be aware. Bromocriptine may have cardiovascular effects, and precautions may be needed.
• Mental Health: Some individuals may experience psychiatric side effects such as hallucinations or confusion while taking Parlodel. If you have a history of mental health disorders, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: Parlodel may cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting. This risk may be increased in individuals with a history of low blood pressure or those taking antihypertensive medications.
• Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking Parlodel. Your healthcare provider may recommend temporarily discontinuing the medication before surgery.
• Driving and Machinery Operation: Parlodel may cause dizziness, so use caution when driving or operating machinery, especially until you know how the medication affects you.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some drugs may interact with Parlodel, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, and do not hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification if you have concerns about your treatment. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare team are essential for the safe and effective use of Parlodel.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Parlodel. However, taking the medication with food can help minimize potential stomach upset.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take double doses to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Parlodel (bromocriptine) may cause side effects, and individual responses can vary. It’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and promptly notify your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe reactions. Common side effects of Parlodel include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms are relatively common, especially when starting the medication. Taking Parlodel with food can help minimize nausea.
• Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Parlodel may cause dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. To reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches as a side effect of Parlodel.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or experiencing fatigue can occur in some individuals taking this medication.
• Constipation: Parlodel may lead to constipation in some individuals.
• Psychiatric Effects: Rarely, Parlodel may cause psychiatric side effects, such as hallucinations, confusion, and changes in mood or behavior. If you notice any unusual mental symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
• Peripheral Vasospasm (Raynaud’s Phenomenon): Parlodel has been associated with peripheral vasospasm, which can cause symptoms such as cold fingers and toes, numbness, and color changes in the skin.
• Dyskinesia: In individuals using Parlodel for Parkinson’s disease, dyskinesia (involuntary, erratic, and purposeless movements) may occur.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Parlodel may affect blood pressure, and in rare cases, it can lead to changes in heart rate or rhythm.

It’s important to note that while these side effects are possible, not everyone will experience them. Additionally, serious side effects are relatively rare, but they can occur. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individual responses can vary. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any concerns or adverse effects to them. If you have specific questions about your medication or its side effects, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Parlodel:

• Storage:
  • Store Parlodel at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
  • Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired medication properly according to local regulations and guidelines.
  • Do not flush medication down the toilet unless instructed to do so. Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for appropriate disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Confusion
• Uncontrollable movements

What other information should I know?

• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your response to the medication and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
• Medical and Laboratory Tests: Your healthcare provider may order periodic blood tests or other laboratory tests to monitor your condition and assess the impact of Parlodel on your body.
• Interaction with Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Parlodel, as alcohol may enhance the sedative effects of the medication.
• Informing Healthcare Providers: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care (including dentists and surgeons) about your use of Parlodel.
• Potential for Drowsiness: Parlodel may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Informing About Other Medications: Keep your healthcare provider informed about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Patient Education: Educate yourself about the medication and its potential side effects. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any known allergies or hypersensitivity reactions to medications.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about your medication. The information provided here is not exhaustive, and specific details may vary based on individual health conditions and medical histories.