Bromocriptine is used:
To treat the hyperprolactinemia (high levels of hormone prolactin) that can cause amenorrhea, loss of fluids from the nipples, problems of fertility and hypogonadism
In case of hyperprolactinemia due to prolactin production by tumor masses
To treat acromegaly
Against the symptoms of Parkinson's disease
In association with exercise, adequate nutrition and, sometimes, with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes
What is Bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine binds to the neurotransmitter dopamine receptors. It works by reducing the amount of certain hormones in the body, in particular, the prolactin and growth hormone. It also exerts a stimulating action against the nerves that control movement. At the moment the mechanism by which it controls your diabetes remains unclear.
How should Bromocriptine be taken?
Typically, bromocriptine is commercially available for oral use in the form of capsules or tablets. The hyperprolactinemia dosage is generally one dose per day, taken with food. On the other hand, to treat acromegaly it is usually taken with food before going to sleep. The treatment of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease requires intake of bromocriptine 2 times a day, always with food. Finally, to treat diabetes, the medication should be taken within 2 hours of a full stomach. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose initially and then gradually increase it as needed.
Side effects associated with Bromocriptine
Bromocriptine can alter the levels of sugar in the blood, causing hyper- or hypoglycemia.
Other possible adverse effects associated with its intake may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramps
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or feeling faint or lightheaded
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Depression
You should immediately contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fainting
- Loss of fluid from the nose
- Numbness, tingling or pain in the fingers, especially in the cold
- Dark stools
- Blood or coffee-like material in the vomit
- Swelling of feet, ankles or calves
- Convulsions
- Severe headaches
- Vision or speech problems
- Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- Pain in the chest, arms, back, neck or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Bromocriptine
The intake of bromocriptine is not indicated for type 1 diabetes, for diabetic ketoacidosis or to block the production of milk in women who have faced an abortion or have decided not to breastfeed.
The drug can interfere with the ability to guide and maneuver dangerous machinery and cause dizziness or fainting when standing up quickly from a lying position.
Moreover, prior to beginning treatment with bromocriptine it is important to tell your doctor if:
You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or other medicines, especially any ergot alkaloid;
You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular other dopamine agonists, amitriptyline, antifungals, antihistamines, chloramphenicol, dexamethasone, ergot derivatives, haloperidol, imipramine, insulin, antibiotics, anti-HIV drugs, drugs against diabetes, asthma, colds, high blood pressure, headache, nausea, psychiatric disease, methyldopa, metoclopramide, nefazodone, octreotide, pimozide, probenecid, reserpine, rifampin and sumatriptan;
You are suffering (or have suffered) from high blood pressure, migraine attacks associated with fainting, heart attack, irregular heart beat, psychiatric illness, low blood pressure, ulcers, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Raynaud's phenomenon, diseases that affect the digestion of carbohydrates or dairy products, or heart, kidney, or liver diseases;
You are pregnant, you have recently given birth or you are breast-feeding
It is important to inform surgeons or dentists of any treatment with bromocriptine in progress before undergoing a surgical intervention. It is also recommended to talk with your doctor about the possible risks associated with the consumption of grapefruit (or its juice) while taking this medication. You should also ask your doctor what to do if you get sick during therapy, you get an infection, you have a fever as well as if it causes additional stress.
