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- $Unique_ID{BRK03055}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{bromocriptine}
- $Subject{Parlodel SnapTabs Sandoz Dopamine agonist antiparkinsonism agent
- bromocriptine Parkinson's disease milk production breast-feed dopamine
- prolactin}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- Parlodel SnapTabs*0305501.scf}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- bromocriptine
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
-
- Parlodel (Sandoz)
- Parlodel SnapTabs (Sandoz)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Dopamine agonist and antiparkinsonism agent
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- bromocriptine
-
- DOSAGE FORMS
-
- Tablets (2.5 mg)
- Capsules (5 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Bromocriptine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
- light-resistant container.
-
- USES
-
- This medication is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and
- to decrease milk production in women who choose not to breast-feed their
- infants. Bromocriptine relieves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by
- replacing a chemical (dopamine) that is diminished in the brains of these
- patients. Bromocriptine prevents milk production by blocking the action of
- the responsible hormone (prolactin).
-
- TREATMENT
-
- In order to avoid stomach irritation during therapy with bromocriptine,
- you can take the medication with food or with a full glass of water or milk.
- If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within four hours,
- take the missed dose immediately. If more than four hours have passed, do not
- take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do
- not double the next dose.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue,
- headache, insomnia, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nasal congestion,
- nausea, or vomiting. These should disappear as your body adjusts to the drug.
- Dizziness or fainting may occur, especially following the first dose. It
- is best, therefore, to take the first dose while lying down. If you feel
- dizzy or light-headed with later doses, sit or lie down; get up slowly; and be
- careful on stairs.
- To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
- fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
- drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO REPORT about abnormal,
- involuntary movements; anxiety; confusion; convulsions; depression; difficulty
- in swallowing; fainting; fluid retention; hallucinations; nervousness;
- nightmares; skin rash; shortness of breath; tingling in the hands or feet; or
- visual disturbances.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Bromocriptine interacts with several other types of medications:
- 1. Phenothiazine tranquilizers, methyldopa, haloperidol, metoclopramide,
- reserpine, and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors decrease the beneficial
- effects of bromocriptine.
- 2. Dosages of antihypertensive medications may require adjustment when
- bromocriptine is started.
- Before starting to take bromocriptine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- any medications you are currently taking, especially if you are taking any of
- those medications listed above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any medications, especially to bromocriptine or ergotamine.
- * Before starting treatment with this medication, be sure to tell your
- doctor if you now have or have ever had heart or blood vessel disease, kidney
- disease, liver disease, or mental disorders.
- * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid tasks that require
- alertness, such as driving a car.
- * Do not stop taking bromocriptine unless you first check with your
- doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to a worsening of your condition.
- Your doctor may want to reduce your dosage gradually to prevent this from
- occurring.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is generally
- recommended that bromocriptine not be used during pregnancy because there have
- been reports of birth defects in both animals and humans whose mothers
- received the drug during pregnancy. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you
- are breast-feeding an infant. Bromocriptine blocks milk production.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-