Bromocriptine

About Bromocriptine

Bromocriptine is used to treat infertility, stop the production of breast milk, Parkinson’s disease, and acromegaly.

How does Bromocriptine work?

Bromocriptine affects the production of hormones (prolactin and growth hormone) and imitates the activity of a messenger chemical (dopamine).

Useful information

• Prolactin is a hormone that causes the production of breastmilk after birth. Some people produce breastmilk without pregnancy. Bromocriptine prevents the production of prolactin.

  It is also used to stop production of breastmilk in women who have sadly lost a baby. Prolactin prevents ovulation in women and can reduce testosterone in men.

  Bromocriptine is therefore used to treat infertility.

• In Parkinson’s disease, the brain produces insufficient amount of a messenger chemical (dopamine) responsible for sending messages through your nerves to the muscles.

  This causes muscle stiffness and movement problems. Bromocriptine can work like dopamine and is useful in Parkinson’s disease.

  Bromocriptine also helps improve depression associated with Parkinson’s disease.

• Acromegaly is caused by the excess production of a hormone (growth hormone). This causes headaches, joint pain and sweating.

  It also causes extensive growth of limbs, nose, forehead, and lips.Bromoctiptine controls the release of growth hormone.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Nasal congestion

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking bromocriptine.

• It is not recommended to take alcohol when taking bromocriptine. Both substances can cause dizziness and worsen stomach problems.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Bromocriptine can impair your alertness. It is not advisable to drive or operate machinery when you experience these symptoms.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Bromocriptine isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Bromocriptine has not been shown to affect sexual performance or contraceptives.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not advisable to take bromocriptine when trying to get pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, a different medication may be more suitable.

Bromocriptine reduces the amount of breast milk you produce. Don’t use this medication when breastfeeding.