Parlodel
Bromocriptine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Parlodel
Parlodel is a dopamine agonist drug. It acts by blocking the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland and lowering growth hormone levels especially in patients with acromegaly. In Parkinson disease, Parlodel acts by stimulation of dopaminergic receptors in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Parlodel
Parlodel lowers prolactin levels, which is an important hormone for secretion and production of breast milk and also for normal fertility in women. Parlodel is also used in the treatment of amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period), persistent breast milk production, infertility, and other conditions associated with high prolactin levels caused by prolactin secreting tumors in women and in men.
Parlodel is also used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, (due to low levels of dopamine in the brain). It has effects similar to those of dopamine, which makes it effective in the treatment of the stiffness or rigidity, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control as seen in Parkinson's disease.
Direction of use of Parlodel
Parlodel should be used as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions or take it as given below:
- Take Parlodel orally with food or on empty stomach.
- You should mark on a calendar which days you are supposed to take Parlodel so that it becomes easier to remember.
If You Miss a Dose of Parlodel
If you miss a dose of Parlodel, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take double doe for the missed dose.
How to Store Parlodel
Parlodel should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted as it does no harm. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light and out of reach of children. Do not store it in your bathroom.
More Information About Parlodel
Do not share Parlodel with others. It should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed. If you have any question about Parlodel, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Parlodel
Do not take Parlodel if you have any of the medical conditions given below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to Parlodel or any of the ingredients used in making it.
- If you are a woman and pregnant, planning pregnancy or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have very high blood pressure (malignant hypertension) or developed high blood pressure associated with pregnancy.
- If you have blood poisoning during pregnancy.
- If you are taking Parlodel for hyper prolactinemia and you become pregnant during treatment.
- If you have recently given birth and have coronary artery disease (chest pain or angina) or other severe heart disease.
Important notes about Parlodel.
- Parlodel can cause drowsiness and dizziness. You should not drive or perform other duties that are risky and need constant attention, while on Parlodel.
- You should not stop Parlodel suddenly without consulting your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Parlodel during pregnancy. It is not clear if Parlodel is found in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Parlodel without consulting your doctor and without discussing about possible risks to your baby.
- Use Parlodel with extreme caution in children younger than 15 years of age as safety and effectiveness of this drug in this age group have not been established.
- Parlodel may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill (contraceptive pills). To prevent pregnancy, be sure to use an additional form of birth control like condom or diaphragm while using Parlodel.
- Lab tests and medical tests like blood pressure, liver and kidney function, heart function, and blood cell counts, should be performed to monitor your progress and also to check side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- If you are taking Parlodel for a brain tumor (e.g. high prolactin secretion), stopping Parlodel can lead to rapid re-growth of the tumor. Do not stop taking Parlodel without talking with your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects of Parlodel
- The common and mild side effects of Parlodel are cold sensitivity in fingers and toes; nausea, mild vomiting, headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth; fatigue, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, indigestion, stomach cramps, stuffy nose etc. Consult your doctor if these common side effects become persistent or bothersome.
- If you get any serious side effects of Parlodel, seek medical attention urgently. The serious side effects of Parlodel are allergic reaction manifested by rash, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest or chest discomfort, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; severe headache, persistent, watery nasal discharge, abnormal involuntary movements, chest pain; depression; fainting; hallucinations; one-sided weakness, progressive shortness of breath, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), seizures, slurred speech, trouble speech; stomach pain, confusion, sudden daytime sleepiness or severe drowsiness, sudden loss of coordination, changes in vision, vomiting blood or a substance like coffee grounds, bloody or black, tarry stools etc.