Parlodel Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Parlodel Tablet contains bromocriptine (as mesylate), an ergot alkaloid that works as a dopamine receptor agonist. It is used to manage high prolactin levels, acromegaly, suppression of breast milk production, and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Parlodel is available as tablets and capsules and should be used exactly as directed by your doctor, with care taken around pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain health conditions.

What is Parlodel Tablet

Parlodel is a tablet medicine containing the active ingredient bromocriptine. It belongs to a group of medicines called ergot alkaloids, which come from a type of fungus, and works as a dopamine receptor agonist.

Parlodel Tablet uses

• Prevention/suppression of breast milk production (lactation) in women who cannot or do not breast feed for medical reasons
• Treatment of high blood levels of a hormone called prolactin (hyperprolactinemia)
• Treatment of acromegaly, a disease where the body makes too much growth hormone
• Relief of symptoms such as shaking of the limbs, stiffness and slowness of movement in Parkinson's disease, often combined with other medicines such as levodopa

Benefits of Parlodel Tablet

• Can lower high prolactin levels and help restore normal menstrual cycles and fertility
• Can reduce growth hormone levels in people with acromegaly
• Can relieve tremor, stiffness and slow movement in Parkinson's disease
• Can reduce the size of prolactin-producing pituitary tumors

How Parlodel Tablet works

Parlodel activates dopamine receptors in the brain. This reduces the release of a hormone called prolactin from the pituitary gland, and in the brain's movement-control area it helps improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In acromegaly, it also lowers growth hormone levels.

Parlodel Tablet dosage

Take Parlodel at about the same times each day for the best effect and to help you remember your doses. When you first start, take the first dose with a snack just before bedtime, and get up slowly from sitting or lying down afterward because the medicine can make you dizzy, lightheaded or faint, especially at first. After the first dose, take the tablets at mealtime with a full glass of water, since taking it with food helps reduce stomach irritation and nausea.

Continue taking Parlodel for as long as your doctor recommends. If you miss a dose, skip it if it is almost time for your next one; otherwise take it as soon as you remember, then continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor; your dose may need to be reduced gradually.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Capsule

Side effects of Parlodel Tablet

Common

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness on standing up
• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Tiredness
• Sinus congestion
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Nervousness
• Feeling unsteady on your feet
• Sad mood
• Difficulty sleeping or restlessness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth, metallic taste
• Hair loss
• Leg cramps

Serious

• Severe persistent headache or vision problems
• Seizures (fits), high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, or mental disorders (reported in some women who took it to prevent breast milk production)
• Signs of stomach bleeding such as red or black bowel motions, bloody diarrhoea, bleeding from the back passage, or vomiting blood
• Confusion, hallucinations or sudden sleep attacks
• Muscle stiffness, agitation, very high fever, or heart problems
• Wheezing, cough or other breathing problems, chest pain, back pain, swelling of the feet or kidney problems
• Numbness, pain, and paleness or discoloration in fingers or toes, especially in cold weather

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Parlodel if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe heart disease, mental illness now or in the past, or toxaemia of pregnancy.
• This medicine carries a risk of serious heart valve problems and scarring (fibrosis) of the heart, lungs, or abdomen, especially with long-term or high-dose use. Report new shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or swelling in your limbs to your doctor.
• This medicine should not be used to stop breast milk production after childbirth, because of the risk of serious side effects such as seizures, stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure.
• Some people have developed intense urges, such as increased sexual drive, gambling urges, or uncontrolled spending, while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if this happens.
• This medicine can cause sudden sleep attacks during daily activities, even without warning. Do not drive or do dangerous tasks if this happens to you.
• Stopping this medicine suddenly, especially at high doses, can cause a serious withdrawal reaction with fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion. Talk to your doctor before stopping or lowering your dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks and may need to stop the medicine.
• Do not use Parlodel if you are breastfeeding, because it stops breast milk production.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking this medicine, as safety has not been established in people with kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver problems before taking this medicine, as safety has not been established in people with liver disease.
• Be careful with alcohol while taking Parlodel, as it may increase side effects and your tolerance for alcohol may be lower than usual.
• Be careful driving or using machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, since it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, or sudden sleep attacks.

Storage

• Store below 25°C
• Protect from light
• Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink, or in the car or on window sills
• Keep it where young children cannot reach it; a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines
• If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date

When to see a doctor

Get emergency help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor straight away or go to the Emergency Department if you have a severe, persistent headache or vision problems, signs of stomach bleeding (black or bloody stools, vomiting blood), confusion, hallucinations, sudden sleep attacks, muscle stiffness with fever, or breathing problems.

Seek urgent medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, even if you feel fine, by contacting your doctor or going to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

Alternatives

• Cabergoline
• Quinagolide where available
• Pramipexole