Parlodel (bromocriptine) is an ergot alkaloid that inhibits release of prolactin from the pituitary gland and acts as a dopamine receptor agonist. Parlodel can be used in all ages, however, patients younger than 16 years old should have their dose determined by a doctor.

This medication is used to treat a variety of conditions, most commonly:

• Improves movement and decreases shakiness in Parkinson's disease
• Improves fertility in both genders
• Prevents breast milk production
• Helps treat stopped or infrequent menstruation
• Treats prolactin-secreting tumors
• Treats high levels of growth hormone
• Helps treat type 2 diabetes

It's important to understand that, with respect to the reproductive system, Parlodel isn't for everyone; it's only effective when ovulation or sperm production impairment, breast milk production, missed menstruation and so forth are happening because of high prolactin levels. It will not provide benefit when prolactin levels are not high.

Effects on Parkinson's disease are due to the medication's dopamine receptor properties. It is usually given along with another medication, levodopa.

The medication clearly provided benefit in helping manage type 2 diabetes when the patient has committed to dietary and lifestyle changes. The exact mechanism behind these benefits is unclear.

Taking Parlodel

Parlodel comes in tablets, ranging from 0.5 mg to 10 mg. Tablets are best taken with food to prevent gastrointestinal side effects. Dosage and frequency of doses depends largely on what the medication is used for.

To treat Parkinson's disease, with or without levodopa:

• Start with 1.25 to 2.5 mg twice per day.
• Dosage may be increased by 2.5 mg every 2 weeks.
• Do not exceed 100 mg per day.

To reduce growth hormone levels:

• Start with 1.25 to 2.5 mg once per day, ideally at bedtime.
• Dosage may be increased by 1.25 to 2.5 mg every 3 to 7 days.
• Do not exceed 100 mg per day.

To treat type 2 diabetes:

• Most patients start with 0.8 mg taken in the morning, within 2 hours of waking up.
• Dosage may be increased incrementally every few days.
• Other medications being taken for diabetes will influence dosage.
• Dosage rarely exceeds 4.8 mg per day.

To shrink prolactin-secreting tumors and all prolactin-related reproductive disorders:

• Start with 1.25 to 2.5 mg doses once per day.
• Dosage may be increased by 2.5 mg every 2 to 7 days.
• Dosage rarely exceeds 15 mg per day.

In all cases treatment should be individualized by a doctor. Patients should attend regular checkups---which may be fairly frequent at the start of treatment---until an effective maintenance dose is determined. It is not uncommon for doses to be relatively high at the start of treatment, then lowered once the condition is under control.

It takes two or three weeks of treatment for significant benefit to be seen. Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit, assuming no adverse effects develop.

Precautions & Side Effects

Parlodel is a potent medication that carries risk of serious side effects if misused. As stated above, treatment should always be individualized and dosage may be modified one or more times. Doctor instructions should always be followed.

That said, the more common side effects associated with Parlodel are not cause for concern unless persistant or severe:

• Mild headache
• Mild vertigo
• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose

More serious side effects are rare, but do happen. Stop taking Parlodel until speaking with a doctor if experiencing:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Vision problems
• Low blood sugar - weakness, hunger, sweating, difficulty concentrating
• High blood pressure - blurry vision, severe headache, anxiety, buzzing in ears
• Heart or lung issues - rapid or uneven heart beat, chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

Parlodel can interact with a wide range of commonly-used medications. While these interactions are unlikely to be serious on their own, one or more of the medications involved may be made less effective. Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware of all other medications being taken.