Bromocriptine is used to treat Parkinson's disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and impaired balance or walking).
This medicine may also be used to treat the following conditions:
- acromegaly (a rare disorder where the body produces abnormally high levels of growth hormone in the body)
- hyperprolactinaemia (high prolactin levels in the blood)
- prolactinoma (a tumour that causes the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of a hormone called prolactin which stimulates the breast to produce milk)
- type 2 diabetes (long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin)
Take Bromocriptine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Bromocriptine is available as a tablet or a capsule. Do not change from one drug form to another without consulting your doctor first.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Bromocriptine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
The dose of Bromocriptine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- eclampsia or pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy)
- high blood pressure after giving birth
- heart disease
- history of serious mental health problems
- migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound) if used for diabetes
as Bromocriptine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- other heart diseases
- dementia (a group of symptoms affecting thinking, memory, and social abilities)
- peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- mental health problems
- lung disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Bromocriptine to a child and the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not switch brands unless instructed by your doctor. This is because different brands of Bromocriptine may have slightly different ways of working in your body.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done during periods wherein there is an absence of menstruation, to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, kidney function, heart function, eye tests, prolactin levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of stomach bleeding may also be needed.
Bromocriptine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. This medicine may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Bromocriptine may cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, tiredness, leg cramps, clogged nose, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- new or worse mental, mood, or behaviour changes
- confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not existent)
- severe headache or headache that does not go away
- urges that are difficult to control e.g. strong impulsive gambling, compulsive spending or buying, excessive eating, increased sexual drive
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- levodopa (other medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease)
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- octreotide (other medicine used to treat acromegaly)
- medicines for mood disorders
- medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting e.g. metoclopramide, domperidone
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bromocriptine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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