Bromocriptine Mesylate

Bromocriptine Mesylate is an oral drug used in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia and its associated signs and symptoms. This drug may also be given in acromegaly and may be an adjunct in the treatment of signs and symptoms of idiopathic or postencephalitic Parkinson's disease.

This drug is available in formulations: Bromocriptinemesylate capsule containing 5 milligrams and Bromocriptinemesylate tablet containing 2.5 milligrams.

Instructions

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

BromocriptineMesylate may interact with medications such as:

• Ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergonovine), "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, frovatriptan)
• Medications for high blood pressure (e.g., methyldopa, reserpine, beta blockers such as metoprolol/propranolol)
• Antipsychotic medication (e.g., haloperidol, pimozide)
• Metoclopramide
• Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin)
• Octreotide
• Drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove bromocriptine from your body (such as cimetidine, delavirdine, efavirenz, telithromycin, azole antifungals including ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, rifamycins including rifabutin, St. John's wort, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine).
• Certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
• Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin)
• Medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine)
• Psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, nortriptyline, trazodone)

Side Effects

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to bromocriptine or to other ergot medications (e.g., ergonovine, pergolide)
• Certain genetic enzyme problems (galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactosemalabsorption)
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Blood flow problems (e.g., peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's disease)
• Low blood pressure
• Breathing problems (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., peptic ulcer)
• Heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, irregular heartbeat)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, dementia)
• Recent pregnancy (especially with high blood pressure)
• Pregnancy or lactation