Bromocriptine
About Bromocriptine
Bromocriptine is a prescription medicine used to treat conditions related to hormone levels and dopamine activity. It may be prescribed to lower high prolactin levels, manage acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone production, and help relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It works by acting like dopamine, a natural chemical messenger involved in regulating hormone release and movement.
Take Bromocriptine exactly as prescribed, preferably with food to help reduce nausea and stomach discomfort. Try to take it at the same time each day. This medicine may cause dizziness or a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension), particularly when starting treatment or after a dose increase. Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to help reduce these effects.
Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, headache, tiredness, or constipation. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience fainting, hallucinations, sudden uncontrollable sleepiness, persistent headache, chest pain, vision changes, or unusual changes in behaviour or urges.
Before taking Bromocriptine, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart or blood vessel problems, liver disease, a history of mental health conditions, or stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to bromocriptine or other ergot-derived medicines. If you have recently given birth, tell your doctor before taking Bromocriptine, as bromocriptine may not be suitable if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure after childbirth (postpartum hypertension) or pregnancy-related conditions such as pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
Bromocriptine may interact with certain antibiotics, antifungal medicines, antipsychotics, blood pressure medicines, and other medicines that affect dopamine. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Tell your doctor about all medicines, herbal products, and supplements you take.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, tell your doctor before taking Bromocriptine. Bromocriptine may restore fertility in people with high prolactin levels, so pregnancy can occur during treatment. Depending on your condition, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and hormone levels and recommend additional tests when needed.
Uses of Bromocriptine
Medicinal Benefits
Bromocriptine may help improve symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances and dopamine-related conditions, depending on why it has been prescribed. The primary benefits include:
- Restores hormonal balance: By lowering high prolactin levels, Bromocriptine may help restore regular menstrual cycles, improve fertility, and reduce unwanted breast milk production.
- Improves movement in Parkinson's disease: Bromocriptine may help reduce tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with movement, making everyday activities easier to manage.
- Relieves symptoms of excess growth hormone: In people with acromegaly, Bromocriptine may help reduce symptoms such as swelling of the hands and feet, joint pain, and other discomfort caused by excess growth hormone.
Directions for Use
- Take Bromocriptine with food or after meals to avoid nausea and vomiting.
- It is advised to take Bromocriptine once daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Bromocriptine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Bromocriptine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
- Headaches
- Stomach pain or indigestion
- Tiredness or mild sleepiness
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Sudden, uncontrollable sleepiness or falling asleep during daily activities
- Severe, persistent headache or vision changes
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual changes in mood or behaviour
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or hives
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Monitor your blood pressure: Check your blood pressure as advised by your doctor, especially when starting treatment or after a dose increase, as Bromocriptine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up.
- Be careful when driving: Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require full alertness until you know how Bromocriptine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness or sudden sleepiness.
- Attend regular check-ups: Keep all follow-up appointments and tests. Depending on your condition, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure, prolactin levels, or growth-related hormone levels such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and may recommend an MRI scan to assess the pituitary gland when needed.
- Have heart checks when advised: If you take Bromocriptine at higher doses or for long-term treatment, your doctor may recommend periodic heart checks, including an echocardiogram, to monitor your heart valves and check for tissue thickening or scarring (fibrosis).
- Watch for unusual urges: Tell your doctor if you notice new or difficult-to-control urges, such as gambling, excessive spending, increased sexual urges, or compulsive eating, as these behavioural changes may occasionally occur during treatment.
- Do not stop treatment suddenly: Continue taking Bromocriptine as prescribed and do not stop it abruptly without your doctor's advice, as sudden withdrawal may cause symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or changes in blood pressure.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Bromocriptine and require closer monitoring or dose adjustments:
- Blood pressure medicines: Taking these with Bromocriptine may cause your blood pressure to drop too low, leading to severe dizziness.
- Ergot-type medicines (for migraines): Combining these can increase the risk of side effects like blood vessel narrowing.
- Certain antibiotics (such as erythromycin): These can raise the levels of Bromocriptine in your blood, increasing the risk of side effects.
- Dopamine antagonists (such as certain antipsychotics or anti-nausea drugs): These may decrease the effectiveness of Bromocriptine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeBromocriptine is known to cause dizziness. So, intake of alcohol along with Bromocriptine should not be done.
Pregnancy
cautionBromocriptine is a Category B pregnancy drug and is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. However, it is not recommended in a pregnant women with high blood pressure as it could be dangerous.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBromocriptine will stop you from producing milk for your baby, you should not take this medicine if you plan to breast-feed.
Driving
cautionBromocriptine is known to cause dizziness. So, driving or any machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionBromocriptine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionBromocriptine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionBromocriptine should not be used in females below the age of 16 years. It can be fatal.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stand up slowly: To manage dizziness caused by sudden blood pressure drops, take your time when rising from a sitting or lying position.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Avoid alcohol while taking Bromocriptine, as it can significantly increase dizziness, drowsiness, and stomach irritation.
- Track your symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms and side effects to share with your doctor during follow-up visits.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to help manage dry mouth and reduce the risk of constipation, which is common in Parkinson's disease.
Special Advise
Monitor your blood pressure, kidney, and liver function test regularly.
You should have a test of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) every 3 months to check your blood glucose level control.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperprolactinemia: It is a condition in which a person has higher-than-normal levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood. It causes infertility, decreased sex drive, and bone loss. Also, women may have vaginal dryness, leading to pain during intercourse, menstruation problems, having no periods or irregular periods, and breast milk production when not pregnant or nursing. Erectile dysfunction-trouble getting or keeping an erection and Breast enlargement, and decreased muscle mass and body hair may be observed in men.
Acromegaly: It is a disorder in which too much growth hormone is made, which causes people to be very tall or to have a large face, hands, and feet.
Parkinson's disease: It is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement due to damage of nerve cells in the brain which reduces the levels of dopamine and leads to symptoms such as stiffness, tremor in one hand, shaking, and difficulty in walking, coordination, and balance.
Diabetes mellitus 2: Adult-onset diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is type 2 diabetes and occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to have the energy (insulin resistance), or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all. This disease mostly occurs in people aged above 40 years, but can also occur in childhood based on the risk factors.
FAQs
Bromocriptine is used to treat Parkinson's disease, high prolactin disorder, acromegaly, and type 2 diabetes.
Bromocriptine contains Bromocriptine is a dopamine receptor agonist which works by increasing the brain chemical called dopamine, which decreases the amount of prolactin released and also decreases the growth hormone. It also improves insulin resistance and treats type 2 diabetes.
Bromocriptine is only prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Your doctor may advise Bromocriptine with or without other medications to control your blood sugar levels. However, it is recommended to maintain a proper diet and exercise to achieve controlled blood sugar levels while using Bromocriptine with or without other antidiabetic drugs.
No, Bromocriptine does not cure Parkinson's disease. Bromocriptine is only used to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
In elderly patients, the risk of side effects is more if you are taking Bromocriptine. For the patients who are elderly, dose adjustment might be required, or your doctor might prescribe any other medication safe for the elderly.
Hyperprolactinemia is a disorder characterized by elevated blood levels of the hormone prolactin. It causes infertility, reduced sexual drive, and bone loss. Women may also have vaginal dryness, which causes pain during intercourse, menstrual issues, the absence or irregularity of periods, and breast milk production when not pregnant or nursing.
The diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia depends on the individual symptoms the patient develops and their medical history. The diagnosis methods include Clinical examination, Lab tests (blood tests), and Other tests, including MRI.
The normal level of prolactin in the body varies depending on gender and pregnancy status. Men: fewer than 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL), Nonpregnant women: <25 ng/mL, Pregnant women: 80–400 ng/mL.
Most cases of hyperprolactinemia are caused by increased prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland, which also produces many other hormones that travel throughout the body. In women, physical or psychological stress, pregnancy nipple stimulation, and certain medication usage, such as antidepressants, have all been found to increase prolactin levels.
Hyperprolactinemia can lead to a range of symptoms in both women and men. Women may experience irregular periods, unexplained milk production, brittle bones, and difficulty conceiving. Men may notice a decrease in sperm count and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, both sexes may experience nausea and vomiting. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention, as hyperprolactinemia can often be managed with appropriate treatment.
Bromocriptine can help improve fertility in individuals with high prolactin levels. Lowering prolactin can restore normal ovulation in women and improve sperm quality in men. This can increase the chances of conception. However, it's important to note that Bromocriptine is primarily used to treat high prolactin levels, and its fertility-boosting effects are a secondary benefit. If you're struggling with fertility, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment.
It's generally recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before taking Bromocriptine with your regular blood pressure medications. While Bromocriptine isn't typically used to lower blood pressure, it can interact with certain medications or exacerbate underlying hypertension. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual situation and guide you further.
Consuming alcohol while taking Bromocriptine is not advisable. The combination can intensify adverse effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. Additionally, alcohol may impact blood pressure, which could be problematic. To ensure your well-being, it's best to abstain from alcohol or consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on moderate alcohol consumption tailored to your specific situation and treatment regimen.
It is entirely dependent on individuals and differs from person to person. A person suffering from certain underlying conditions, such as renal, liver, or blood pressure problems, should exercise caution and have their dosage adjusted. So, consult your doctor; you will be guided in taking Bromocriptine after reviewing your previous medical circumstances.
Bromocriptine (Bromocriptine) can cause dizziness and lightheadedness due to its blood pressure-lowering effect. After taking Bromocriptine, exercise caution and avoid activities that require focus and attention, such as driving a car or riding a bike.
Bromocriptine is usually not recommended during breastfeeding. It can reduce milk production and may pass into breast milk, potentially causing harm to the baby. If you're breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider and follow their advice.
Common side effects of Bromocriptine may include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), constipation, stomach upset and blocked nose. Most of these side effects of Bromocriptine are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
It is highly recommended to take Bromocriptine with food or a meal. Taking it on an empty stomach can significantly increase your risk of experiencing nausea, stomach upset, and dizziness. Talk to your doctor if you struggle with nausea.
Yes, Bromocriptine can cause drowsiness and, in some cases, sudden episodes of falling asleep during daily activities. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, and talk to your doctor if you experience extreme sleepiness.
If you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, you should inform your doctor immediately. Bromocriptine is typically discontinued once pregnancy is confirmed, unless your specialist specifically advises otherwise. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Yes, Bromocriptine can cause your blood pressure to drop, especially when you stand up quickly, leading to dizziness or fainting. It can also, in rare cases, cause high blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and talk to your doctor if you feel dizzy.
Mood changes, such as increased anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, or unusual urges (like compulsive gambling or shopping), should be reported to your doctor immediately. These are recognised risks of this medication class. Talk to your doctor to adjust your treatment safely.
No, you should never stop taking Bromocriptine suddenly. Stopping this medication abruptly can cause your symptoms to return or lead to a severe reaction. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to gradually reduce your dose if you need to stop. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
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