Bromocriptine, Parlodel, ergot alkaloid dopamine receptor agonist, Parkinson's Disease, Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Bromocriptine is an ergot alkaloid dopamine receptor agonist. It is a strong D2 receptor agonist and a weak DI receptor antagonist. It stimulates both pre- and post-synaptic receptors.

Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, confusion, hallucinations, anorexia, and erythromelaigia, a painful, reddish discoloration of the skin. Retroperitoneal fibrosis has been reported in a few patients who received long-term therapy at daily dosages of 30-140 mg.

Important Information About Bromocriptine

Bromocriptine may cause low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution until you know how this medicine affects you. Also use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities.

If you are taking bromocriptine to treat high prolactin levels caused by a tumor, notify your doctor if you experience persistent, watery, nasal discharge.

Caution If You Take Bromocriptine

Before taking bromocriptine, tell your doctor if you

Have heart disease

Have had a heart attack in the past

Have any other serious illness

You may not be able to take bromocriptine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Bromocriptine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take bromocriptine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Bromocriptine prevents the production of breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Drug Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you had an overdose.

Symptoms of a bromocriptine overdose include nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, drowsiness, yawning, confusion, and hallucinations.

Avoid the following while taking bromocriptine

Bromocriptine may cause low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution until you know how this medicine affects you. Also use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities.

Side Effects of Bromocriptine

Stop taking bromocriptine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

If you are taking bromocriptine to treat high prolactin levels caused by a tumor, notify your doctor if you experience persistent, watery, nasal discharge.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bromocriptine and talk to your doctor if you experience

Mild nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps;

Diarrhea or constipation;

Headache, dizziness (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position), or drowsiness;

Dry mouth; or

Nasal stuffiness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that is unusual or bothersome.

Drug Interaction

Before taking bromocriptine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others)

Phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant used in many over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, and diet medications)

Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Volmax)

Terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl)

The medicines listed above may increase the effects of bromocriptine and lead to dangerous side effects.

The effects of bromocriptine may be decreased by phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), and fluphenazine (Prolixin). Tell your doctor if you are taking a phenothiazine. A larger dose of bromocriptine may be necessary.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with bromocriptine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbs.

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