Parlodel is an oral pill made up of a prolactin inhibitor called bromocriptine. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg!

Parlodel is used for quite a few conditions, but most commonly this medication is used for hyperprolactinemia, a condition where there are high levels of the natural hormone called prolactin.  This condition may cause the following symptoms in women; missed menstrual periods, a lack of sexual development in adolescents, loss of interest in sex, hot flashes, infertility, or unexpected breast milk production and leakage. While men may find they have enlarged breasts, decreased libido (sex drive), decreased body or facial hair, and loss of muscle, both female and male symptoms can be treated with Parlodel.  The cause of hyperprolactinemia can be due to physiological factors (such as exercise, stress, and pregnancy), drugs (such as dopamine-antagonists, dopamine-depleting agents, and narcotics), or pathological factors (such as hypothalamus, pituitary, or thyroid).

Parlodel is effective at treating hyperprolactinemia because it is able to prevent the release of prolactin, preventing the levels of prolactin from getting too high.

Parlodel is also capable of substituting dopamine in the brain, and may also be used to treat Parkinson’s disease and acromegaly.

Ensure you use this medication only the way your doctor has prescribed it to you.

Parlodel is most commonly taken twice a day with a meal.

Your doctor may want you to come in often for blood tests. Ensure you are keeping up with all necessary appointments during the time of treatment.

Do not use Parlodel (bromocriptine)

This medication should not be used by those who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, if you have high blood pressure caused by pregnancy, or if you have recently had a baby and also have a history of coronary artery disease or severe heart disease.

Do not use this medication if you plan on breast feeding. This drug will reduce breast milk production.

This product should not be used by anyone allergic to bromocriptine or to an ergot medicine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine).

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

This product contains lactose. Tell your doctor if you have a hereditary form of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Before starting treatment, ensure you to tell your doctor if you have high or low blood pressure, heart disease, a history of heart attack, liver or kidney disease, a tumor of the pituitary gland, a stomach ulcer or history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or a history of mental illness or psychosis.

Risks

You may need stop treatment if you become pregnant during treatment. If you become pregnant, inform your doctor right away. This medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby however a pituitary tumor in a mother can expand during pregnancy. Hypertension may also occur which could cause this medicine to become dangerous.

There are many drug interactions with this drug; for your safety, tell your doctor about all medications you are currently on to determine if this drug is safe for you to use.

Common side effects of Parlodel (bromocriptine) may include:

dizziness, spinning sensation, mild drowsiness, feeling tired; mild headache, depressed mood, sleep problems (insomnia); dry mouth, stuffy nose; upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation; or cold feeling or numbness in your fingers.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Parlodel (bromocriptine) may include:

vision problems, constant runny nose; chest pain, pain when you breathe, fast heart rate, rapid breathing, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down); back pain, swelling in your ankles or feet, urinating less than usual or not at all; confusion, hallucinations, feeling like you might pass out; low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, trouble concentrating); muscle movements you cannot control, loss of balance or coordination; or bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

dangerously high blood pressure: severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure.

What should I avoid while using this product?

You may want to avoid hazardous activities such as driving for the few half of treatment if possible. This drug is capable of impairing your thinking and has caused people in the past to fall asleep during everyday activities such as walking, eating, and working, even after feeling totally alert.

Can children use this medication?

Children who are at least 11 years old may treat prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas with Parlodel.

What is the average dose for a person with high levels of prolactin?

An adult with this condition would take 1.25mg-2.5mg once a day, by mouth. Until the optimal response is achieved, every 2-7 days you may increase the dose by 1.5mg. Maintenance dose should be around 2.5mg-15mg once a day, by mouth.

What are some of the drug interactions associated with Parlodel?

Some drug interactions associated Parlodel include antidepressants, sedative or narcotic medications, antibiotics or antifungal medications, anti-malaria drugs, asthma or allergy medications, cancer medicine, cholesterol-lowering drugs, oral diabetes medications, HIV or AIDs medications, Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications, and seizure medications.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Consult your health care professional for more information on drugs that interact with bromocriptine (Parlodel).