Product Details: Parlodel (Bromocriptine)

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a dopamine agonist used to treat menstrual and infertility disorders, and to treat Parkinson's disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are allergic to an ergot alkaloid, or to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, kidney function tests, blood pressure checks, and complete blood counts may be performed to monitor your progress. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, dizziness, or episodes of sudden sleep onset. DO NOT DRIVE, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly. VERY RARELY THIS MEDICINE may cause serious reactions. IF YOU DEVELOP A SEVERE, CONTINUING HEADACHE OR CHANGES IN VISION, check with your doctor immediately. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain pseudoephedrine. FOR PATIENTS TAKING THIS MEDICINE TO TREAT CONDITIONS OTHER THAN FERTILITY DISORDERS: If you are taking birth control pills you must use an additional form of contraception while taking this medicine. If you have questions, check with your doctor. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, lightheadedness upon standing quickly, constipation, stuffy nose, cold sensitivity in fingers and toes, vomiting, stomach ache, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mood or mental changes, hallucinations, or confusion. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a severe, progressive headache; vision disturbances; ringing in the ears; seizures; fainting; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or black tarry stools. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Bromocriptine