Brand name:
Parlodel
Pronounced: PAR-luh-del
Generic name:
Bromocriptine mesylate
Why is Parlodel prescribed?
Parlodel 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, a condition
characterized by an abnormally large skull, jaw, hands, and feet
- Parkinson's disease
- Pituitary gland tumors
Some doctors also prescribe Parlodel 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.
Most important fact about Parlodel
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 Parlodel?
Parlodel 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 Parlodel for a few
weeks. Do not stop taking Parlodel 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 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
information...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant
container.
Parlodel side effects
The number and severity of side effects depend on many
factors,
including the condition being treated, dosage, and duration of
treatment. Side
effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform
your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if
it is safe
for you to continue taking Parlodel.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps or discomfort,
confusion,
constipation,
depression,
diarrhea,
dizziness,
drop in blood pressure,
drowsiness,
dry mouth,
fainting,
fatigue,
hallucinations (particularly in Parkinson's patients),
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,
weakness
Some of the above side effects are also symptoms of
Parkinson's
disease.
Why should Parlodel not be prescribed?
You should not be using Parlodel if you have high blood
pressure
that is not under control or if you are pregnant (unless your doctor
finds it
medically necessary). You should also not take Parlodel if you are
allergic to
it or to any other drugs containing ergot alkaloids, such as
Bellergal-S and
Cafergot.
Women who have severe heart conditions should not use Parlodel
after they have had a baby unless it is medically necessary.
Special warnings about Parlodel
Your doctor will check your pituitary gland thoroughly before
you
are treated with Parlodel.
Since Parlodel 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 Parlodel. Do not use the
"Pill" or
oral contraceptives, as they may prevent Parlodel from working
properly.
Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while
you
are being treated with Parlodel.
If you have kidney or liver disease, consult your doctor
before
taking Parlodel.
If you are being treated with Parlodel for endocrine problems
related to a tumor and stop taking Parlodel, the tumor may
grow back
rapidly.
Use Parlodel 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
Parlodel alone or Parlodel 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 Parlodel.
If you experience a persistent watery nasal discharge while
taking Parlodel, notify your doctor.
This drug 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 Parlodel may cause dizziness. If so, check
with your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Parlodel
Combining alcohol with Parlodel can cause blurred vision,
chest
pain, pounding heartbeat, throbbing headache, confusion, and other
problems. Do
not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Parlodel.
Certain drugs used for psychotic conditions, including
Thorazine
and Haldol, inhibit the action of Parlodel. It is important that you
consult
your doctor before taking these drugs while on Parlodel therapy.
Other drugs that may interact with Parlodel include:
Blood pressure-lowering drugs such as Aldomet and Catapres
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Oral contraceptives
Other ergot derivatives such as Hydergine
Pimozide (Orap)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The use of Parlodel during pregnancy should be discussed
thoroughly with your doctor. If Parlodel is essential to your
treatment, your
doctor will carefully monitor you throughout your pregnancy.
You should not take Parlodel while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Parlodel
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If
you suspect an overdose of Parlodel, contact your doctor immediately
or seek
other medical attention.
- Symptoms of Parlodel overdose may include:
Confusion,
constipation,
delusions,
dizziness,
drowsiness,
feeling unwell,
hallucinations,
lethargy,
nausea,
pallor,
severely low blood pressure,
sweating,
vomiting,
yawning repeatedly
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