Bromocriptine

Uses

Bromocriptine is used to treat certain underlying conditions:

•    hyperprolactinemia (high level of prolactin)
•    acromegaly (overproduction of growth hormone)
•    amenorrhea
•    signs & symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
•    tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and unsteadiness
•    Type 2 diabetes (when taken with other medications)

IUPAC name: (6aR,9R)-5-bromo-N-[(1S,2S,4R,7S)-2-hydroxy-7-(2-methylpropyl)-5,8-dioxo-4-propan-2-yl-3-oxa-6,9-diazabicyclo[7.3.0.02,6]dodecan-4-yl]-7-methyl-6,6a,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-indolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide

Drug class: Dopamine receptor agonist

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

• It works by decreasing the amount of prolactin to treat hyperprolactinemia.
• It acts by decreasing the amount of growth hormone to treat acromegaly.
• It treats Parkinson’s disease by stimulating the nerves that control movement.

Side effects

Common side effects may include:

• nausea/vomiting
• headache
• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• constipation
• diarrhea

Serious side effects:

• runny nose
• fainting
• blurred/impaired vision
• change in the amount of urine
• severe stomach pain
• weakness of arms/legs
• black/ bloody stools
• swelling of feet/ankles/legs
• pain in chest
• hallucinations
• seizures
  

Precautions

Before using this medication tell your doctor:

1. If you are allergic to bromocriptine; or another ergot medications (including ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide); or to any other medication or ingredient in bromocriptine.
2. If you are taking other medications such as prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, herbal drug products, multivitamins, nutritional supplements.
3. If you have ever had a medical history of high/ low blood pressure, heart problems (including heart attack, coronary heart disease, abnormal heartbeats), mental illness, migraine headaches, bleeding/ulcers in the stomach or intestine, Raynaud’s syndrome, galactose intolerance, deficiency of lactose, glucose-galactose malabsorption, schizophrenia, depression, psychosis.
4. Limit alcoholic consumption as it makes you drowsy, loss of alertness may occur.
5. This medication should be taken when needed during pregnancy.
6. This medication may slow or stop breast milk production. This medication is not recommended during breastfeeding.