What is bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine lowers prolactin (PRO lak tin) levels. Prolactin is a hormone important for the production of breast milk and for normal fertility in women. Bromocriptine also has effects similar to a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) that occurs naturally in the body.
Bromocriptine is used to treat disorders such as amenorrhea (lack of a menstrual period), persistent breast milk production, infertility, and other conditions associated with high prolactin levels caused by prolactin-secreting tumors in women and in men.
In addition, bromocriptine reduces growth hormone levels. This is useful in treating acromegaly, a condition that involves excessive growth.
Bromocriptine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease, which is associated with low levels of dopamine in the brain. Bromocriptine has effects similar to those of dopamine, which makes it effective in the treatment of the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control associated with Parkinson's disease.
Bromocriptine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take bromocriptine?
Take bromocriptine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take bromocriptine with food.
Continue to take this medication unless your doctor recommends that you stop. It may be some time before you see the benefits of bromocriptine.
It is important to take bromocriptine regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with bromocriptine to monitor progress and side effects.
Store bromocriptine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a bromocriptine overdose include nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, drowsiness, yawning, confusion, and hallucinations.
What should I avoid while taking bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine may cause low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution until you know how this medicine affects you. Also use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities.
Bromocriptine side effects
Stop taking bromocriptine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
If you are taking bromocriptine to treat high prolactin levels caused by a tumor, notify your doctor if you experience persistent, watery, nasal discharge.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bromocriptine and talk to your doctor if you experience
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mild nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps;
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diarrhea or constipation;
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headache, dizziness (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position), or drowsiness;
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dry mouth; or
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nasal stuffiness.
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