BROMOCRIPTINE MESYLATE (Generic for PARLODEL)

BROMOCRIPTINE (broe moe KRIP teen) is used for several conditions. It may be used to treat high levels of prolactin in the blood due to certain types of tumors. It can also be used to treat acromegaly, a condition where the body makes too much growth hormone. This medicine may also be used to treat Parkinson's disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take this medicine with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Keep taking this medicine unless your health care provider tells you to stop. Stopping it too quickly can cause serious side effects. It can also make your condition worse.
Talk to your health care provider about the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 11 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-alcohol
-antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
-aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
-certain antibiotics for infection like chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, sulfa antibiotics
-certain medicines for psychotic disturbances
-certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
-certain medicines for migraine like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan and sumatriptan
-certain medicines for Parkinson's disease and related conditions like cabergoline, pramipexole, ropinirole
-grapefruit juice
-isometheptene
-metoclopramide
-phenylephrine
-pseudoephedrine
-probenecid
-rifampin
-St. John's wort
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may develop a severe reaction. Your health care provider will tell you how much medicine to take. If your health care provider wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
When taking this medicine, you may fall asleep without notice. You may be doing activities like driving a car, talking, or eating. You may not feel drowsy before it happens. Contact your health care provider right away if this happens to you.
There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking this medicine. If you experience any of these while taking this medicine, you should report this to your health care provider as soon as possible.
This medicine may affect blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your health care professional if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Check your skin for changes to moles or for new growths while taking this medicine. Call your health care provider if you notice any of these skin changes.
Women should inform their health care provider if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Talk to your health care provider for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-changes in emotions or moods
-changes in vision
-chest pain
-confusion
-depressed mood
-falling asleep during normal activities like driving
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-hallucinations
-low blood pressure (dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)
-new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges
-pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
-seizures
-stroke (changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination)
-trouble breathing
-trouble sleeping
-uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body
-unusual bleeding or bruising
-vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-constipation
-dizziness
-drowsiness
-dry mouth
-nausea
-stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.
To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.