Bromocriptine |
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Bromocriptine (also known as Parlodel), an ergoline derivative, is a dopamine agonist that is used in the treatment of
...pituitary tumors,
...Parkinson's disease (PD) and
...neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Key phrases: and bromocriptine, parlodel 2.5 , parlodel drug, parlodel and pregnancy, bromocriptine side effects, bromocriptine pregnancy.
| Dosage |
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Price |
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| 2.5 mg |
30 tab ($0.50 per tab) |
USD 15.00 |
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| 2.5 mg |
90 tab ($0.46 per tab) |
USD 42.00 |
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Bromocriptine: Medications and Prescriptions
Generic name: Bromocriptine
Product Manufacturer: Richter Gedeon
Bromocriptine description
Indications:
Amenorrhea, female infertility, galactorrhea, hypogonadism, and acromegaly may all be caused by pituitary problems, such as hyperprolactinaemia, and therefore, these problems may be treated by this drug.
Furthermore, this drug is in a particular class of drugs that are sometimes used to stimulate parts of the HPTA (hypothalamus pituitary testicular axis) which is beneficial for bodybuilders when they have finished a cycle of steroids. The drug in turn aids the pituitary in stimulating the Leydig cells in the testicles.
It has also been used in some countries to prevent lactation following childbirth if the mother does not wish to breastfeed; one of dopamine's effects on the pituitary is as an antagonist of prolactin production by lactotrophs. However, the FDA removed this indication in 1995, because of concerns with respect to an increased risk of heart attack, seizure and stroke.
Because of prolactin's role in stimulating proliferation of the T-lymphocytes of the immune system, bromocriptine, at a doseage of 5mg/day orally, has also been used to suppress the immune system in organ transplant patients.
Since bromocriptine acts as a dopamine agonist, it has potential use in treating cocaine addiction, as the addictive effects of cocaine are caused by its blocking dopamine reuptake. Although bromocriptine has negligible subjective effects when administered alone, studies show it has the potential to significantly ease the cocaine withdrawal syndrome. It is this action that also makes it useful in neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
There appear to be some connections between insulin insensitivity and dopamine. A company called Veroscience is using bromocriptine to treat diabetes and obesity, and their website postulates a connection between neurotransmitters and seasonal variation in insulin sensitivity among vetebrate animals.[6] There are also some connections between temperature and dopamine and serotonin production.[7] In addition, new research indicates that patients with diabetes are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by a dopamine deficiency in the brain.
Parkinson's disease:
Bromocriptine is an agonist of D2 dopamine receptors and has therefore been used as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. Early studies suggested that treating patients with bromocriptine before levodopa would delay the onset of side effects such as dyskinesia.However, a recent Cochrane review found a lack of evidence to support this view.
Before Using This Medicine:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bromocriptine, the following should be considered: Allergies-Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bromocriptine or other ergot medicines such as ergotamine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.Pregnancy-Bromocriptine is not generally recommended for use during pregnancy. However, bromocriptine can be used during pregnancy in certain patients who are closely monitored by their doctor. Breast-feeding-This medicine stops milk from being produced. Children-Studies of this medicine have been done only in teenagers over 15 years of age and adult patients. There is no specific information comparing use of bromocriptine in children with use in other age groups.
Teenagers-This medicine has been tested in a limited number of teenagers 15 years of age and older. In effective doses, the medicine has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. Appropriate studies have not been done in teenagers younger than 15 years of age, and there is no specific information comparing use of bromocriptine in these teenagers with use in other age groups.
Older adults-Confusion, hallucinations, or uncontrolled body movements may be more likely to occur in elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of bromocriptine.
Other medicines:
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking bromocriptine, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
• Ergot alkaloids (dihydroergotamine [e.g., D.H.E. 45], ergoloid mesylates [e.g., Hydergine], ergonovine [e.g., Ergotrate], ergotamine [e.g., Gynergen], methylergonovine [e.g., Methergine], methysergide [e.g., Sansert])-Severe cases of high blood pressure have occurred with the use of bromocriptine. This may be made worse with the use of ergot alkaloids
• Erythromycin (e.g., E.E.S. or Erytab) or
• Risperidone (e.g., Risperdal) or
• Ritonavir (e.g., Norvir)-Use of these medications with bromocriptine may greatly increase the effects of bromocriptine
Other medical problems-The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of bromocriptine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• High blood pressure (or history of) or
• Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (history of)-Rarely, bromocriptine can make the high blood pressure worse
• Liver disease-Toxic effects of bromocriptine may occur in patients with liver disease because the body is not able to remove bromocriptine from the bloodstream as it normally would
• Mental problems (history of)-Bromocriptine may make certain mental problems worse
Proper Use of This Medicine:
If bromocriptine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with meals or milk. Also, taking the dose at bedtime may help to lessen nausea if it occurs. If stomach upset continues, check with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend that you take the first doses vaginally.
Dosing:
The dose of bromocriptine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of bromocriptine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. 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.
• For oral dosage forms (capsules and tablets):
o For infertility, male hormone problem (male hypogonadism), starting the menstrual cycle (amenorrhea), or stopping abnormal milk secretion from nipples (galactorrhea):
Adults and teenagers 15 years of age or older-At first, 1.25 to 2.5 milligrams (mg) once a day taken at bedtime with a snack. Then your doctor may change your dose by 2.5 mg every three to seven days as needed. Doses greater than 5 mg a day are taken in divided doses with meals or at bedtime with a snack.
Teenagers less than 15 years of age and children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
o For lowering growth hormone (acromegaly):
Adults and teenagers 15 years of age or older-At first, 1.25 to 2.5 milligrams (mg) once a day taken at bedtime with a snack for three days. Then your doctor may change your dose by 1.25 or 2.5 mg every three to seven days as needed. Doses greater than 5 mg are divided into smaller doses and taken with meals or at bedtime with a snack.
Teenagers less than 15 years of age and children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
o For Parkinson's disease:
Adults and teenagers 15 years of age or older-At first, 1.25 milligrams (mg) one or two times a day taken with meals or at bedtime with a snack. Then your doctor may change your dose over several weeks as needed.
Teenagers less than 15 years of age and children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
o For pituitary tumors:
Adults and teenagers 15 years of age or older-At first, 1.25 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day taken with meals. Then your doctor may change your dose over several weeks as needed.
Teenagers less than 15 years of age and children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose of this medicine and remember it within 4 hours, take the missed dose when you remember it. However, if a longer time has passed, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage:
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine:
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. Dizziness is more likely to occur after the first dose of bromocriptine. Taking the first dose at bedtime or when you are able to lie down may lessen problems. It may also be helpful if you get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Your doctor may also recommend that you take the first dose vaginally.
Bromocriptine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections. It may take several weeks for bromocriptine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine or reduce the amount you are taking without first checking with your doctor.
Drinking alcohol:
Avoid alcoholic beverages until you have discussed this with your doctor. Some of the symptoms you may have if you drink any alcohol while you are taking this medicine are blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, fast or pounding heartbeat, flushing or redness of face, nausea, severe weakness, sweating, throbbing headache, or vomiting.
For females who are able to bear children and who are taking this medicine for menstrual or infertility problems, to stop milk production, or to treat acromegaly or pituitary tumors:
• It is best to use some type of birth control while you are taking bromocriptine. However, do not use oral contraceptives (∜the Pillâˆ) since they may prevent this medicine from working. For women using bromocriptine for infertility, tell your doctor when your normal menstrual cycle returns. If you wish to become pregnant, you and your doctor should decide on the best time for you to stop using birth control. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while taking this medicine. You and your doctor should discuss whether or not you should continue to take bromocriptine during pregnancy.
• Check with your doctor right away if you develop blurred vision, a sudden headache, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Bromocriptine side effects:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some serious side effects have occurred during the use of bromocriptine to stop milk flow after pregnancy or abortion. These side effects have included strokes, seizures (convulsions), and heart attacks. Some deaths have also occurred. You should discuss with your doctor the good that this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
• Rare
o Black, tarry stools; bloody vomit; chest pain (severe); convulsions (seizures) ; fainting; fast heartbeat ; headache (unusual); increased sweating; nausea and vomiting (continuing or severe) ; nervousness; shortness of breath (unexplained); vision changes (such as blurred vision or temporary blindness); weakness (sudden)
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
• Less common-reported more often in patients with Parkinson's disease
o Confusion; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); uncontrolled movements of the body, such as the face, tongue, arms, hands, head, and upper body
• Rare-reported more often in patients taking large doses
o Abdominal or stomach pain (continuing or severe); increased frequency of urination; loss of appetite (continuing); lower back pain; runny nose (continuing); weakness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
• More common
o Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position; nausea
• Less common
o Constipation; diarrhea; drowsiness or tiredness; dry mouth; leg cramps at night; loss of appetite ; mental depression; stomach pain; stuffy nose; tingling or pain in fingers and toes when exposed to cold; vomiting
Some side effects may be more likely to occur in patients who are taking bromocriptine for Parkinson's disease, acromegaly, or pituitary tumors since they may be taking larger doses.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Additional Information:
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, bromocriptine is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
• To stop milk production after an abortion or miscarriage or in women after a delivery who should not breast-feed for medical reasons
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.
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.
Anti-aging news:
Mouse Ovaries And Testes Age In Unique Ways
Biomed Central, 3rd June, 2008- Researchers from National Institute on Aging, Baltimore have found that ovaries and testes age differently from somatic tissues. Further the benefits of caloric restriction does not benefits gonads as it does for somatic tissues.
In the experiment, whole genome DNA was examined by microarrays to find the effect of age, sex and diet on gene expression in testes and ovaries of mice. Of of six pair of genes responsible for aging in muscle, kidney and brain, only two were associated with aging in ovaries and none in testis. Thus ovaries age fast than testis. The researchers also found that caloric restriction effects very less number of genes in gonads and thus has little beneficial effect. Caloric restriction was also found to reduce the expression of genes involved in metabolism and follicle growth, a possible mechanism to compensate for somatic tissues depicting the evolutionary difference between male and female in times of food shortage.
The research was led by Minoru Ko and colleagues.
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Drug category:Antiparkinson agents
 Bromocriptine
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