Parlodel

What is it?

A dopamine agonist available as scored white tablets in 2 strengths containing 1mg and 2.5mg of bromocriptine (as mesylate) respectively, all marked with strength and name. Also, PARLODEL CAPSULES in 2 strengths, white/blue containing 5mg of bromocriptine and white, containing 10mg, all marked with strength and name.

Medical Uses

Parkinsonism, additional therapy in acromegaly (enlarged face, feet and hands due to a pituitary gland tumour producing an excess of growth hormone), tumours which are prolactin-dependent, abnormally high prolactin levels in blood, prevention and suppression of milk production after childbirth. Also, benign breast disorders connected with monthly cycle, mastalgia (breast pain that may be linked to menstrual cycle), hormone- based infertility caused by high levels of prolactin in blood.

Dosage

Adults, for Parkinsonism, initial dose, 1 to 1.25mg taken at night for 1 week increasing gradually to 2.5mg 3 times each day in fourth week. Dose is then gradually increased, at 3 days to 2 week intervals by increments of 2.5mg, to 10 to 40mg 3 times each day in divided doses. Drug should be taken with meals. Acromegaly and tumours dependent upon prolactin, initial dose, Ito 1.25mg taken at night gradually increasing every 2 to 3 days to 5mg every 6 hours (taken with daily meals). Prevention and suppression of lactation; 2.5mg on day of birth then 2.5mg twice each day with meals for 2 weeks. Excess prolactin levels in blood, 1 to 1.25mg taken at night increasing gradually at 2 to 3 day intervals to 7.5mg each day in divided doses with meals with a maximum of 30mg daily. Benign breast disease and pain, 1 to 1.25mg taken at night increasing gradually to 2.5mg twice each day with meals. Infertility, 1 to 1.25mg taken at bedtime at first gradually increasing at 2 to 3 day intervals to 7.5mg each day in divided doses with meals, the maximum being 30mg daily.

Special Care

History of heart and circulatory disorders or psychoses. Regular gynaecological monitoring necessary for women and non-hormonal methods of contraception should be used for those not wishing to conceive as may cause ovulation. Drug must be stopped of woman conceives or in event of fibrotic symptoms.

Avoid Use

High blood pressure at time of childbirth, hypersensitivity to ergot alkaloids, toxaemia of pregnancy.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs affecting blood pressure, alcohol, erythromycin.

Known Side Effects

Leg pains, drowsiness, excitation of psychomotor functions, impaired performance of voluntary movements, dry mouth, gastrointestinal upset, vasospasm, confusion, low blood pressure on rising upright from lying down. Drug should be withdrawn if peritoneal fibrosisoccurs.