Bromocriptine
 
What is Bromocriptine and why is it prescribed?
Bromocriptine inhibits the secretion of the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland. It also mimics the action of dopamine, a chemical lacking in the brain of someone with Parkinson's disease. It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including: Infertility in some women, Menstrual problems such as the abnormal stoppage or absence of flow, with or without excessive production of milk, Growth hormone overproduction leading to acromegaly, Parkinson's disease, and Pituitary gland tumors. Some doctors also prescribe Bromocriptine to treat cocaine addiction, the eye condition known as glaucoma, erection problems in certain men, restless leg syndrome, and a dangerous reaction to major tranquilizers called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a severe headache that does not let up or continues to get worse. It could be a warning of the possibility of other dangerous reactions, including seizure, stroke, or heart attack.

How should you take Bromocriptine?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Bromocriptine. Bromocriptine should be taken with food. Take the first dose while lying down. You may faint or become dizzy due to lower blood pressure, especially following the first dose. You may not feel the full effect of this medication for a few weeks. Do not stop taking Bromocriptine without first checking with your doctor. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember if it is within 4 hours of the scheduled time. Otherwise, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Bromocriptine at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

Are there any Bromocriptine side effects?
Bromocriptine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The number and severity of side effects depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, dosage, and duration of treatment. More common Bromocriptine side effects may include abdominal cramps or discomfort, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, hallucinations, headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, nasal congestion, nausea, shortness of breath, uncontrolled body movement, vertigo, visual disturbance, vomiting, and weakness. Less common Bromocriptine side effects may include abdominal bleeding, anxiety, difficulty swallowing, frequent urination, heart attack, inability to hold urine, inability to urinate, nightmares, nervousness, rash, seizures, splotchy skin, stroke, swelling in feet and ankles, and twitching of eyelids. Some of the above side effects are also symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Rare Bromocriptine side effects may include abnormal heart rhythm, blurred vision or temporary blindness, cold feet, fast or slow heartbeat, hair loss, heavy-headedness, increase in blood pressure, lower back pain, muscle cramps, muscle cramps in feet and legs, numbness, pale face, paranoia, prickling or tingling, reduced tolerance to cold, severe or continuous headache, shortness of breath, sluggishness, and tingling of ears or fingers.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Bromocriptine?
If Bromocriptine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Combining alcohol with Bromocriptine can cause blurred vision, chest pain, pounding heartbeat, throbbing headache, confusion, and other problems. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Certain drugs used for psychotic conditions, including Thorazine and Haldol, inhibit the action of Bromocriptine. It is important that you consult your doctor before taking these drugs while on Bromocriptine therapy. Other drugs that may interact with Bromocriptine include Blood pressure-lowering drugs (such as Aldomet and Catapres), Metoclopramide (Reglan), Oral contraceptives, Other ergot derivatives (such as Hydergine), or Pimozide (Orap).

Are there any special warnings about Bromocriptine?
Your doctor will check your pituitary gland thoroughly before you are treated with Bromocriptine. Since Bromocriptine can restore fertility and pregnancy can result, women who do not want to become pregnant should use a "barrier" method of contraception during treatment with this medication. Do not use the "Pill" or oral contraceptives, as they may prevent Bromocriptine from working properly. Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are being treated with Bromocriptine. If you have kidney or liver disease, consult your doctor before taking Bromocriptine. If you are being treated with Bromocriptine for endocrine problems related to a tumor and stop taking this medication, the tumor may grow back rapidly. Use Bromocriptine with caution if you have had mental problems, any disease of the heart and circulatory system, peptic ulcer, or bleeding in the stomach and intestines. If you are being treated for Parkinson's disease, the use of Bromocriptine alone or Bromocriptine with levodopa may cause hallucinations, confusion, and low blood pressure. If this happens, notify your doctor immediately. If you have an abnormal heartbeat rhythm caused by a previous heart attack, consult your doctor before taking Bromocriptine. If you experience a persistent watery nasal discharge while taking Bromocriptine, notify your doctor. Bromocriptine may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure about your ability to do so. Your first dose of Bromocriptine may cause dizziness. If so, check with your doctor.
 

Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor.
 

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