About bromocriptine
Show Bromocriptine is prescribed for a number of different medical conditions. Your doctor will tell you why it has been prescribed for you. Bromocriptine prevents the production of a chemical called prolactin. Prolactin is involved in a number of processes within the body, including milk production after childbirth. It also affects the levels of the hormones involved with controlling the menstrual cycle and fertility. Bromocriptine is therefore helpful in preventing or reducing milk production when this is needed for medical reasons. Likewise, it is helpful in some types of infertility, breast problems and menstrual problems caused by higher-than-usual levels of prolactin. High levels of prolactin occur in people with prolactinomas. A prolactinoma is a non-cancerous swelling in the pituitary gland. This can cause various symptoms including reduced fertility, breast changes, and headaches. Prolactinomas can be treated successfully with medicines which reduce the production of prolactin, such as bromocriptine. In these cases, treatment is usually long-term. Bromocriptine can be prescribed to treat Parkinson's disease, although other treatments are usually preferred. In Parkinson's disease, a number of cells in a small part of the brain become damaged and die. These brain cells normally pass messages down nerves in the spinal cord by producing a chemical called dopamine, and it is these messages which control the muscles of the body. As the cells are damaged, the amount of dopamine that is produced is reduced. A combination of the reduction of cells and a low level of dopamine in the cells in this part of the brain, causes nerve messages to the muscles to become slowed and abnormal. This produces the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, which are stiffness, shaking (tremor), and slowness of movement. Bromocriptine encourages the release of dopamine which helps to ease these symptoms. Bromocriptine also affects the production of growth hormone and has sometimes been used for the treatment of conditions such as acromegaly, although other treatments are often preferred. Acromegaly is a disorder which causes enlargement of the hands and feet, and makes facial features more prominent. Before taking bromocriptineSome medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking bromocriptine it is important that your doctor knows:
How to take bromocriptine
Getting the most from your treatment
Can bromocriptine cause problems?Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with bromocriptine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Occasionally, bromocriptine can cause some more serious side-effects. Although these occur much less commonly than the side-effects listed above, it is important that you contact your doctor for advice straightaway if you develop any of the following:
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to bromocriptine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. How to store bromocriptine
Important information about all medicinesIf you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. If you take any medicines that you have bought without a prescription, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with your prescribed medicines. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist. What medications are used to treat high prolactin levels?There are two oral medications used to treat high prolactin levels:. Bromocriptine (Parlodel). Cabergoline (Dostinex). What drugs inhibit prolactin?Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Inhibits prolactin secretion with no effect on other pituitary hormones.
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