Bromocriptine
About Bromocriptine
Bromocriptine belongs to a class of drugs called ergot derivatives used to treat a brain-related problem, i.e., Parkinson's disease. Bromocriptine helps stop breast milk production soon after stillbirth, abortion, miscarriage, or even after delivery if you do not want to breastfeed your baby once you have started. Bromocriptine can also be used in monotherapy and other medication to treat acromegaly, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson's disease.
Bromocriptine contains Bromocriptine, which increases the brain chemical called dopamine, decreasing the amount of prolactin released. It also decreases the release of growth hormone in the body, which treats diseases acromegaly (increased growth hormone levels). Additionally, it reduces insulin resistance, improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and increases dopamine level, thereby preventing Parkinson's disease.
Like all medicines, Bromocriptine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. You may experience headache, dizziness, drowsiness feeling and being sick constipation blocked nose in some cases. Most of these side effects of Bromocriptine are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Bromocriptine if you have uncontrolled hypertension, known hypersensitivity to dopamine derivatives, and heart disease as it is known to contraindicate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or having kidney or liver problems. Bromocriptine should not be used in children below the age of 16 years. Also, try other forms of contraception as the hormonal conditions may not be adequate. Regular blood pressure monitoring is required while you take Bromocriptine.
Uses of Bromocriptine
Medicinal Benefits
Bromocriptine contains Bromocriptine, which reduces the prolactin level in your blood and reduces the effects you have encountered. It works by increasing the brain chemical called dopamine, which decreases the amount of prolactin released. It also decreases the release of growth hormone in the body, which treats diseases acromegaly (increased growth hormone levels). Besides this, Bromocriptine can also be used to treat other conditions caused by hormonal disruption, leading to high prolactin production levels. This includes lack of periods, infrequent and very light menstruation, periods when there is no ovulation, and without breastfeeding, the secretion of milk from your breast, even in conditions where high prolactin levels are caused by unknown causes (idiopathic hyperprolactinemia) or pituitary gland tumors in both men and women. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine levels and using a diet and exercise and sometimes with other medications to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bromocriptine
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
- Blocked nose
Drug Warnings
Bromocriptine should not be taken if you are allergic to dopamine agonist or any of the ingredients of Bromocriptine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor. Bromocriptine is not recommended in children below 16 years of age. Do not take Bromocriptine if you have or ever had uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease (like congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction) as it is known to contra-indicate. Inform your doctor if you have sugar (glucose) and ketones (a type of chemical) in your pee, severe kidney or liver disease, often get urinary tract infection, mental illness, low blood pressure, ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines, Raynaud's syndrome (a condition in which the hands and feet become numb and cool when exposed to cold temperatures). Regular blood pressure monitoring is required during treatment with Bromocriptine. If you have galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, tell your doctor before taking Bromocriptine. It may cause symptomatic hypotension (dizziness, nausea, sweating, and fainting) when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking Bromocriptine or when your dose is increased. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Bromocriptine interacts with other dopamine agonists (cabergoline, levodopa, pergolide, ropinirole), ergot-type medications (dihydroergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, methysergide) antidiabetic drugs (glimepiride, glipizide), diuretics (furosemide), medicines used to control seizures (haloperidol, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), a medicine used to treat mental illness (clozapine, olanzapine, imipramine), a medicine used to treat HIV infection (efavirenz, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir), antibiotic (rifampicin, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin), a medicine used to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood (cholestyramine), blood thinner (dabigatran) medicines used for certain heart problems (digoxin), antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: Bromocriptine may interact with household sugar and cause abdominal discomfort and stomach upset. Therefore one should avoid consuming foods rich in sugar. Additionally, Bromocriptine interacts with St. John’s wort (a herbal medicine to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interactions: People affected with heart diseases (like congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction), have sugar (glucose) and ketones (a type of chemical) in your pee, severe kidney or liver disease, often get urinary tract infection, mental illness, low blood pressure, ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines, Raynaud's syndrome (a condition in which the hands and feet become numb and cool when exposed to cold temperatures) and alcoholism should avoid intake 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
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Bromocriptine as it can make you feel dizzy and dehydrated and may affect your sleep.
- Monitor your blood sugar level as it is known to lower blood prolactin levels.
- Quit smoking as smoking increases the heart rate and may progress a heart ailment.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet, include plenty of fluids, vegetables, proteins, fat-free or low-fat dairy products. It will also help to reduce weight and lowers the risk of a heart attack.
- Regular exercise keeps the mind thoughtful and lowers your stress level, thus lowering the prolactin level.
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.
No, Bromocriptine should not be taken empty stomach as it may cause nausea and vomiting. So, to avoid these side-effects take it with food or just after a meal.
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.
The chances of pregnancy after treatment with Bromocriptine completely depend upon the individual to individual based on their health status as well as the response of the body toward the medication. In general, Bromocriptine is used to improve the chances of pregnancy. However, discussing your situation with your doctor is important, as they can provide personalized advice and monitor your progress. If you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy, your healthcare provider is the best resource for guidance.
Women with elevated prolactin levels, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia, can still get pregnant. However, high prolactin levels can disrupt ovulation, making conception more difficult. Fortunately, reducing prolactin levels can help restore regular ovulation and fertility. If you're struggling with high prolactin levels and trying to conceive, consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment. They'll help you navigate the journey to pregnancy with expert care and support.
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.
Bromocriptine is not typically used to lower blood pressure. However, it may have a secondary effect on some individuals. It's essential to note that Bromocriptine can also have the opposite effect and increase blood pressure in some individuals, particularly at high doses. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized guidance and monitor your blood pressure regularly.
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.
