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Bromocriptine

  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Bromocriptine may cause dizziness during the first few days of treatment, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly will help.
  • In rare cases some patients taking bromocriptine have experienced sudden onset of sleep with little or no warning of tiredness. If you experience this you should avoid driving, operating machinery or other tasks where you need to be fully alert, and see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About bromocriptine

Type of medicine Dopamine receptor stimulant
Used for Parkinson's disease
Disorders due to high prolactin levels
Acromegaly
Also called Parlodel®
Available as Tablets and capsules

Bromocriptine can be used to treat Parkinson's disease. The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown, but it results in there being less of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. This lack of dopamine causes the symptoms of Parkinsonism such as shaking, stiffness and loss of muscle control. Bromocriptine encourages the release of dopamine, relieving these symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease.

Bromocriptine can also prevent the production of a chemical called prolactin. Prolactin is involved in many processes within the body, such as milk production after childbirth, and it affects the levels of the hormones involved with controlling the menstrual cycle and fertility. Bromocriptine is therefore helpful in preventing or reducing milk production for medical reasons, treating some types of infertility, breast problems and menstrual problems.

Bromocriptine also affects the production of growth hormone and has sometimes been used for the treatment of conditions such as acromegaly, a disease which causes enlargement of the hands, feet and face.

Before taking bromocriptine

Before taking bromocriptine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have recently had a baby and have high blood pressure, heart problems or a mental illness.
  • If you suffer from heart, circulation or liver problems.
  • If you suffer from Raynaud's syndrome (a circulation disorder) or porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have ever suffered from a serious mental disorder.
  • If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, other medicines related to ergot, or any other medicine.

How to take bromocriptine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are taking bromocriptine for the first time, your treatment will be started gradually. Read the directions from your doctor carefully.
  • Try to take bromocriptine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Swallow your dose with a small glass of water at a meal time.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness you may experience with bromocriptine. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with bromocriptine.

Can bromocriptine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, sleepiness Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Feeling sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Headache If the headache is severe, speak with your doctor straight away; otherwise ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer
Nasal stuffiness If troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you develop breathing difficulties, breathlessness, a persistent cough, chest pain, abdominal pain or tenderness, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: If you experience changes in your sight or develop a severe headache, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your behaviour such as an increased desire to gamble or an increased sex drive.

Important: If you experience falling asleep suddenly, avoid driving and see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store bromocriptine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Parlodel®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised October 2007, accessed 17 March 2008.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
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dils2151		 Last Updated:
3 Jun 2008		 Date of Next Review:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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