Information about Parlodel (Bromocriptine)
Parlodel is the brand name for Bromocriptine, a medication that primarily acts as a dopamine agonist. It is used to treat various conditions related to hormonal imbalances, particularly those involving excess prolactin or certain disorders of the pituitary gland. Bromocriptine works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, which can help regulate the secretion of prolactin, a hormone that affects lactation and reproductive health.
Product Highlights
- Bromocriptine is primarily used to treat conditions where there is an overproduction of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia), such as prolactinomas (benign pituitary tumors) or functional disorders of the pituitary gland. Elevated prolactin levels can cause infertility, irregular menstruation, and galactorrhea (inappropriate breast milk production).
- Bromocriptine is used as an adjunct therapy for Parkinson's disease. It helps alleviate motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slow movement) by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, compensating for the lack of dopamine in the condition.
- Bromocriptine can be used to treat acromegaly, a condition characterized by excessive growth hormone secretion, often due to pituitary tumors. By reducing growth hormone levels, Bromocriptine can help control the symptoms and complications of this condition.
- In certain cases, Bromocriptine has been used as an adjunct treatment for type 2 diabetes, particularly in managing insulin resistance.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Bromocriptine is highly effective in lowering elevated prolactin levels, which helps normalize menstruation, restore fertility, and stop inappropriate lactation in women.
- As a dopamine agonist, Bromocriptine can improve motor function and reduce the severity of symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia in Parkinson’s patients.
- In acromegaly, Bromocriptine helps lower the levels of growth hormone, alleviating symptoms such as excessive growth of bones and soft tissues, and helping manage the long-term complications of the disease.
- Bromocriptine may be used in certain cases to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance, helping to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Direction of Use
- The typical starting dose is 1.25 mg once daily, which may be gradually increased to 2.5 mg or more, depending on the response. The maximum dose is often 7.5 mg daily, divided into smaller doses.
- Bromocriptine is usually started at 1.25 mg daily and gradually increased to 10–30 mg/day, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s response. It can be used in combination with other medications, such as levodopa.
- The starting dose for Bromocriptine in treating acromegaly is typically 2.5 mg daily, which may be increased gradually to 10 mg/day or more as needed.
- If prescribed off-label for diabetes, the dosage typically starts at 0.8 mg daily and can be gradually increased.
- Bromocriptine tablets should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, and stomach upset. These symptoms may improve with continued use.
- Bromocriptine can cause orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing), dizziness, and fainting, particularly during the first few days of treatment. Patients should stand up gradually from a sitting or lying position.
- In some cases, Bromocriptine can cause psychotic symptoms, hallucinations, or mood disturbances. This is more likely to occur in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
- Caution is required in patients with liver or kidney impairment. Bromocriptine should be used with care in individuals with pre-existing liver disease or renal dysfunction.
- Bromocriptine is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, unless absolutely necessary. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding as it can suppress milk production.
Avoid Parlodel (Bromocriptine) If
- If you have a known allergy to Bromocriptine or other dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline), you should avoid this medication.
- Bromocriptine can cause low blood pressure, so it should be avoided in individuals with severe uncontrolled hypertension.
- People with a history of severe heart problems, such as heart attack or angina, should use Bromocriptine with caution due to its potential cardiovascular effects.
- Bromocriptine should be avoided in individuals with severe liver or kidney dysfunction, as these conditions may affect the metabolism and clearance of the drug.
- If you have a history of psychotic disorders or severe mental health issues, Bromocriptine should be used with caution, as it can exacerbate such conditions.
- Bromocriptine is contraindicated in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, particularly in the first trimester, and it should not be used while breastfeeding as it can suppress milk production.
