Bromocriptine

About Bromocriptine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as dopamine receptor stimulants.

Bromocriptine can also prevent the production of a chemical called prolactin. Prolactin is involved in many processes within the body, such as milk production after childbirth and affecting levels of hormones involved with controlling the menstrual cycle and fertility. It is therefore helpful in preventing or reducing milk production for medical reasons, treating some types of infertility, breast problems and menstrual problems.

Bromocriptine also affects the production of growth hormone and has been used for the treatment of conditions such as acromegaly, a disease which causes enlargement of the hands, feet and face.

Bromocriptine is available in tablet and capsule form

It is also sometimes known as: Parlodel. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Bromocriptine

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have recently had a baby and have high blood pressure, heart problems or a mental illness
• if you suffer from heart problems, Raynaud's syndrome, low blood pressure or porphyria (blood disorder)
• if you have ever suffered from psychoses (mental illness)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Bromocriptine

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take bromocriptine with or immediately after food.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of bromocriptine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Bromocriptine can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Bromocriptine may cause dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• In rare cases some patients have experienced sudden onset of sleep with little or no warning of tiredness. If you experience this you should avoid driving, operating machinery or other tasks where you need to be fully alert. You should see your doctor as soon as possible.
• Bromocriptine may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside bromocriptine.

Can Bromocriptine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), constipation, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, numbness and discomfort in the fingers, confusion, uncontrollable movements of the body, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), dry mouth or leg cramps.

Important: If you develop breathing difficulties, breathlessness, a persistent cough, chest pain, abdominal pain or tenderness contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Bromocriptine

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.