$Unique_ID{BRK01855}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{BROMOCRIPTINE}
$Subject{Parlodel (Sandoz)
Parlodel SnapTabs (Sandoz)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Parlodel SnapTabs*0185501.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BROMOCRIPTINE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Parlodel (Sandoz)
     Parlodel SnapTabs (Sandoz)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Dopamine agonist and antiparkinsonism agent
INGREDIENT:
     bromocriptine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (2.5 mg)
     Capsules (5 mg)
STORAGE:
     Bromocriptine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and
to decrease milk production in women who choose not to breast-feed their
infants.  Bromocriptine relieves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by
replacing a chemical (dopamine) that is diminished in the brains of these
patients.  Bromocriptine prevents milk production by blocking the action of
the responsible hormone (prolactin).

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation during therapy with bromocriptine,
you can take the medication with food or with a full glass of water or milk.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within four hours,
take the missed dose immediately.  If more than four hours have passed, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue,
headache, insomnia, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nasal congestion,
nausea, or vomiting.  These should disappear as your body adjusts to the drug.
     Dizziness or fainting may occur, especially following the first dose.  It
is best, therefore, to take the first dose while lying down.  If you feel
dizzy or light-headed with later doses, sit or lie down; get up slowly; and be
careful on stairs.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO REPORT about abnormal,
involuntary movements; anxiety; confusion; convulsions; depression; difficulty
in swallowing; fainting; fluid retention; hallucinations; nervousness;
nightmares; skin rash; shortness of breath; tingling in the hands or feet; or
visual disturbances.

INTERACTIONS

     Bromocriptine interacts with several other medications:
     1. Phenothiazine tranquilizers, methyldopa, haloperidol, metoclopramide,
reserpine, and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors decrease the beneficial
effects of bromocriptine.
     2. Dosages of antihypertensive medications may require adjustment when
bromocriptine is started.
     Before starting to take bromocriptine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to bromocriptine or ergotamine.
     * Before starting this drug, tell your doctor if you now have or have
ever had heart or blood vessel disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or
mental disorders.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid tasks that require
alertness, such as driving a car.
     * Do not stop taking bromocriptine unless you first check with your
doctor.  Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to a worsening of your condition.
Your doctor may want to reduce your dosage gradually to prevent this from
occurring.
     * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  It is generally recommended that
bromocriptine not be used during pregnancy because there have been reports of
birth defects in both animals and humans whose mothers received the drug
during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Bromocriptine blocks milk production.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
