Bromocriptine prescribing information |
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Description
Bromocriptine (Generic Name: Parlodel or cycloset) is a dopamine agonist i.e. it enhances the action of dopamine. In doing so it slows down the rate of production of another substance called prolactin which is produced in the pituitary gland. The excessive production of prolactin could result in a variety of conditions hence this drug is applicable to a broad range of condition and this includes abnormal breast milk production in both genders and suppressed functioning of sexual glands.
About Bromocriptine
The active ingredient in this drug (bromocriptine mesilate) stimulates the dopamine receptors present in the brain and this reduces the production of prolactin by the pituitary glands. It is known that excessive production of this hormone, prolactine, is attributable to some abnormal conditions such as abnormal breast milk secretion in males and females also known as galactorrhoea, suppressed sexual glands or hypogonadism and disorders in the breast and menstrual cycle. There by decreasing the amount of prolactin produced by the pituitary glands, such conditions can be treated. Other than where breast milk is produced abnormally, in medical cases whereby milk production needs to be stopped after child birth, abortion or miscarriage. Bromocriptine can also be used to achieve this since prolactin is linked with the production of breast milk. This drug is also used in the management of prolactinoma, a condition whereby a tumour develops in the pituitary gland. Furthermore Bromocriptine can be used to slow down excessive production of growth hormones by the pituitary glands which occur in conditions such as acromegaly. In addition to the aforementioned uses this drug can also be used in the treatment of individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease which is linked with decreased levels of dopamine in the brain. By stimulating the dopamine receptors in the brain bromocriptine helps lessen the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
How to Use Bromocriptine
This medicine should only be used according to doctor’s recommendations. In general Bromocriptine can be used in for decreasing break milk production, treatment of Parkinson’s disease, suppressed sexual gland, abnormal menstrual cycle or breast malfunction, infertility and excessive growth hormone production by the pituitary glands. The drug should be taking with food and dizziness which often manifests as a side effect in the first few days of the medication can be addressed by lying down while this persist after which it should pass. It should be considered that this may affect the individual’s ability to carry out task which could prove risky such as driving or operation of machinery. It is advisable not to consume alcohol while on medication of Bromocriptine as this may worsen the occurrence of drowsiness or dizziness. High blood levels of prolactin could be indicative of tumour growth in the pituitary gland or breast cancer in women and this requires checks and appropriate medical procedures. An annual gynaecological check is also required for women on a long term medication of Bromocriptine and this could be twice a year in postmenopausal women. Women who have been prescribed this drug for the termination of breast milk production after miscarriage, childbirth or abortion are more liable to serious side effects therefore require close monitoring. This drug should be used with special care in people who have a history of mental illness or peptic ulcers, those with liver malfunctioning, cardiovascular diseases, porphyrias and those with Raynaud’s disease.
Contraindication
This drug should not be taken by children, people with hypersensitivity to alkaloids such as ergotamine, those with hypertension, problems with heart valves or during pregnancy in a hypertensive mother.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the Side effects which may occur in patients taking this drug includes: Hallucinations, Confusion, Leg cramps. Hair loss, Headache, Dizziness, Constipation, Drowsiness, Nausea and vomiting, Nasal congestion, Dry mouth, dyskinesia, decrease in blood pressure during transition to upright position also known as postural hypotension, retroperitoneal fibrosis, pericardial fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, intestinal/stomach bleeding or ulceration, pathological gambling urges, increased libido and hyper sexuality.
Drug Interaction
Prior to commencing medication with Bromocriptine, the doctor should be informed of any other prescription or non prescription drugs you are taking or intend to take while on the medication. Taking certain other drugs with this drug might increase the likelihood or severity of side effects such as hypoglycaemia and dizziness and may also affect the blood levels of Bromocriptine as well as its effectiveness. Such drugs include ergotamine, erythromycin (might be safer when used topically), Octreotide, antipsychotic drugs, metoclopramide and domperidone.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
This medicine is used in special cases where breast milk production needs to be suppressed for medical reasons. Therefore it should not be used by mothers who intend to breast feed. Furthermore this drug should only be used in pregnant women if there is significant health benefit to the mother which outweighs risk to child.
Bromocriptine notes:
Bromocriptine which is also known as Parlodel is a potent prolactin inhibitor, antidyskinetic and acts as dopamine agonist. It is prescribed for patients with Parkinson’s disease, ovulation problems such as amenorrhea (absent periods) and abnormal breast milk production. Bromocriptine, with a combination of levodopa is used to treat acromegaly, a serious state where where there is excess secretion and release of growth hormone.
Bromocriptine belongs to a group of medicines called ergot alkaloids. Bromocriptine obstructs the release of a hormone called prolactin from the pituitary gland which affects the menstrual cycle and milk production.
In older adults the intake of bromocriptine might cause confusion, hallucinations, or uncontrolled body movements because elders are more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of bromocriptine. It is advisable to inform your doctor if have ever had any previous allergic reaction to bromocriptine before starting the course and or other substances such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. Bromocriptine is not generally recommended for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Further if a patient already suffers from other medical disorders such as high blood pressure, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, liver disease and mental problems, it may affect the use of bromocriptine. The number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking bromocriptine.
Some serious side effects which might result in due to the administration have occurred during the use of bromocriptine to stop milk flow are strokes, seizures, and heart attacks. Some deaths have also been reported.
Bromocriptine is usually administered in case of patients who need to stop milk production after an abortion or miscarriage or in women after a delivery who should not breast-feed for medical reasons and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
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