Drug title

Parlodel (Bromocriptine)

Drug Uses
 
Parlodel is a dopamine agonist that is used for treating conditions like Parkinson’s disease, acromegaly (abnormal growth of certain body parts), some menstrual problems and certain conditions caused by too much prolactin in the blood.

Aplication mode

Parlodel can be taken by mouth with food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Dosage and direction

Take this medication when you are in a lying position and do not rise up quickly after the intake. Do not stop to take this drug even if your symptoms do not change and it seems that no result is achieved. Parlodel may require longterm treatment before its effect is manifestated.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Parlodel then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Parlodel overdose may lead to symptoms like confusion, delusions, general feeling of discomfort, hallucinations, increased sweating, pale skin, repetitive yawning, tiredness and vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.

Storage

Store Parlodel in a dry tight container away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from children and pets.

Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have angina (chest pain) or coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, narrowing of blood vessels of the legs or arms, a history of vision problems, or a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or if you have had a heart attack.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or developed high blood pressure associated with pregnancy, have blood poisoning during pregnancy, have recently given birth and have coronary artery disease (chest pain) or other severe heart disease, if you are taking Parlodel only for hyperprolactinemia and become pregnant, you are taking an ergot alkaloid (e.g., ergotamine), an HIV protease inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir), a ketolide (e.g., telithromycin), a macrolide (e.g., erythromycin), a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase (NNRT) inhibitor (e.g., efavirenz), or sumatriptan.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Parlodel and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Parlodel is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Certain drugs can interact with Parlodel and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Parlodel should be used with extreme caution in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Stopping Parlodel suddenly especially if you are on a regular dosage can have adverse effects. For example, if you are taking it for a brain tumor then it can lead to a rapid regrowth of the tumor.

Parlodel is known to reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive birth control pills. So, it is recommended that you use another form of contraceptive while using the drug.

Parlodel must be used with caution in children below 12 years of age.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are cold sensitivity in fingers and toes, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, indigestion, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, stuffy nose, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abnormal involuntary movements, bloody or black, tarry stools, chest pain, depression, fainting, hallucinations, one–sided weakness, persistent, watery nasal discharge, progressive, severe headache, shortness of breath, ringing in the ears, seizures, slurred speech or trouble speaking, stomach pain, sudden confusion, sudden daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of coordination, vision changes, vomiting blood or a substance like coffee grounds.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.