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Bromocriptine Coupon - Bromocriptine 2.5mg tablet

bromocriptine

Generic Parlodel
Used for Parkinson's Disease, Acromegaly, High Prolactin
Used for Parkinson's Disease, Acromegaly, High Prolactin

Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is used to treat conditions associated with high prolactin levels, as well as Parkinson's disease and acromegaly (too much growth hormone). This medication is available as a generic or brand name (Parlodel). Nausea, constipation, and dizziness are common side effects of bromocriptine (Parlodel). While there's limited information available, reports suggest that bromocriptine (Parlodel) doesn't seem to raise the risk for birth defects if taken by mothers during pregnancy.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 22, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Bromocriptine (Parlodel)?

What is Bromocriptine (Parlodel) used for?

How Bromocriptine (Parlodel) works

Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is a dopamine agonist. It activates (turns on) dopamine receptors to lower hormone levels if they're too high and improve movement in people with Parkinson's disease.

Are you looking for information on Cycloset (bromocriptine) for Type 2 diabetes instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsParlodel
Drug ClassDopamine agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$124.19(save 67.99%)
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What are the side effects of Bromocriptine (Parlodel)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (up to 49%)
  • Headache (19%)
  • Dizziness (17%)
  • Constipation (up to 14%)
  • Tiredness (up to 7%)
  • Low blood pressure when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension, up to 6%)
  • Feeling lightheaded (up to 5%)
  • Vomiting (up to 5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach cramps
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stuffy nose
  • Feeling drowsy
  • Weakness
  • Trouble sleeping

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Dangerously high blood pressure: chest pain, headache that won't go away, irregular heartbeat, vision problems, difficulty breathing, nose bleed, blood in your urine
  • Painful, discolored finger or toe

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

difficulty in speaking

dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

double vision

feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there

feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior

feeling that others can hear your thoughts

headache

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

nausea

nervousness

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pounding in the ears

severe mood or mental changes

slow or fast heartbeat

slow speech

sweating

trouble breathing

unusual behavior

vomiting

Less common—reported more often in patients with Parkinson's disease

Confusion

uncontrolled movements of the body, such as the face, tongue, arms, hands, head, and upper body

Rare—reported more often in patients taking large doses

Increased frequency of urination

loss of appetite, continuing

lower back pain

runny nose, continuing

stomach pain, continuing or severe

weakness

Rare

Black, tarry stools

bloody vomit

fainting

nausea

nervousness

seizures

sudden weakness

temporary blindness

unusual headache

vomiting, continuing or severe

Incidence not known

Agitation

anxiety

blue or pale skin

chest pain, possibly moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder

chills

difficulty in speaking

double vision

false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts

fever

headache

high fever

high or low blood pressure

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

increased frequency of urination

loss of bladder control

lower back pain

severe muscle stiffness

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusually pale skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Constipation

diarrhea

drowsiness or tiredness

dry mouth

leg cramps at night

loss of appetite

mental depression

stomach pain

stuffy nose

tingling or pain in the fingers and toes when exposed to cold temperatures

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can treat many different conditions

Only needs to be taken once or twice a day

Available as a lower-cost generic

Dose can be adjusted based on your response

thumbs-down

Cons

Commonly causes nausea as a side effect

Can cause changes in blood pressure

Only comes as a 2.5 mg tablet or 5 mg capsule, so you might need to take a lot of pills if you're taking a high dose

Should be taken with food

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

pharmacist

  • Take bromocriptine (Parlodel) with food. This can help prevent nausea or vomiting that you might experience after taking the medication.

    • You might need to cut your tablet in half to get the right dose. The tablets come with a line in the middle to help you. You can purchase a pill splitter to help cut the tablets in half.

      • Don't try to split the capsules. If you need a smaller dose and only have capsules, ask your provider for a prescription for the tablets.

        • Side effects of bromocriptine (Parlodel) include dizziness, confusion, and falling asleep suddenly. Don't drive or do activities that require a lot of focus until you know how the medication affects you.

          • After starting bromocriptine (Parlodel), you might notice a drop in blood pressure when you stand up or get up from bed. This change in blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting. Getting up slowly can help prevent a dangerous fall.

            • Let your provider know if you want to stop or take a lower dose of bromocriptine (Parlodel). They'll instruct you on how to lower your dose slowly to prevent bothersome side effects, like anxiety, depression, tiredness, trouble sleeping, sweating, fever, stiff muscles, and pain.

              • To prevent unnecessary exposure of bromocriptine (Parlodel) to babies during pregnancy, talk to your provider about birth control if you're capable of getting pregnant, but not actively trying. If you haven't gotten your period within 3 days of when expected, take a pregnancy test and contact your provider.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

                How long does bromocriptine (Parlodel) take to work?
                Your provider will likely start you off at a low dose of bromocriptine (Parlodel) and slowly raise your dose up over days or weeks, so it could take time to see the full effects, depending on what condition you're being treated for. For examples: (1) In clinical studies, females with high prolactin levels and no period typically saw their periods return after about 2 months of treatment with bromocriptine (Parlodel), though it took much longer for some people (up to 8 months). (2) In people with acromegaly, bromocriptine (Parlodel) works within a few hours to lower growth hormone levels. Some people notice improvement in symptoms like sweating during the first few days of taking the medication. They also noticed other physical changes, like smaller feet or hands, after a few weeks of treatment.
                How long does bromocriptine (Parlodel) stay in your system?
                It takes about 24 hours for bromocriptine (Parlodel) to fully leave your body. But keep in mind that this time frame is estimated based on the half-life of bromocriptine (Parlodel). It can also be affected by your health conditions and what other medications you're taking, so it can be different for each individual person. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have questions about how long the medication stays in your body.
                Does bromocriptine (Parlodel) cause hair loss?
                Bromocriptine (Parlodel) can rarely cause hair loss. In clinical studies, less than 1% of people taking the medication experienced hair loss. If this is a concern for you, talk to your provider.
                Can I take bromocriptine (Parlodel) if I have high blood pressure?
                Because bromocriptine (Parlodel) has a risk of causing high blood pressure that can lead to dangerous complications, it's not recommended to take this medication if your blood pressure is high and uncontrolled. If you're taking blood pressure-lowering medications and keeping your blood pressure in your target range, your provider will help you decide if bromocriptine (Parlodel) is right for you. But since bromocriptine (Parlodel) can cause changes to your blood pressure, you might need to monitor your blood pressure more closely. In general, people who take bromocriptine (Parlodel) tend to experience low blood pressure at the beginning of treatment, but higher blood pressure starting the second week. Call your provider if you experience dizziness or vision changes while taking this medication.
                Does bromocriptine (Parlodel) help in getting pregnant?
                Having high levels of prolactin can make it difficult for females to become pregnant (infertility). Bromocriptine (Parlodel) can help with infertility that's caused by high prolactin levels by lowering the amount of prolactin hormone in your body. Talk to your provider to see if this medication is right for your particular fertility problems.
                Can you take bromocriptine (Parlodel) while pregnant?
                Based on the information available, there isn't evidence of harm to babies in pregnant females who take bromocriptine (Parlodel). One study looked at about 2,500 females who took bromocriptine (Parlodel) during their pregnancy. They didn't find any association between the medication and harm to babies. However, there isn't enough information to know if bromocriptine (Parlodel) is safe to take during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss with your provider if bromocriptine (Parlodel) is the best option for your condition.
                How long does bromocriptine (Parlodel) take to stop milk production?
                The time it takes for bromocriptine (Parlodel) to stop milk production due to high prolactin levels can depend on how much milk production you experienced before starting treatment. Prolactin is the hormone needed to make breast milk, and taking this medication can lower prolactin levels. Most people notice 75% less milk production after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment with bromocriptine (Parlodel).
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                What are the risks and warnings for Bromocriptine (Parlodel)?

                Bromocriptine (Parlodel) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Use during pregnancy and after giving birth

                There's limited research about the safety of bromocriptine (Parlodel) during pregnancy. Severe high blood pressure, heart attacks, seizures, and stroke have occurred rarely in people who took bromocriptine (Parlodel) after giving birth (postpartum).

                Because of this, your provider might only prescribe bromocriptine (Parlodel) for you during pregnancy or the postpartum period if the benefits outweigh the risks. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant while taking bromocriptine (Parlodel). You'll need to discuss with your provider whether you should stop or continue the medication with very close monitoring.

                risk-warning

                Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities

                • Risk factors: History of drowsiness | History of sleep problems | Taking sedatives or medications that make you drowsy | Taking bromocriptine (Parlodel) for Parkinson's disease

                  Bromocriptine (Parlodel) can make you feel sleepy, particularly if you're taking this medication for Parkinson's disease. Rarely, it can cause you to suddenly fall asleep, even if you don't feel sleepy. Avoid driving or activities that require you to focus until you know how this medication affects you. Take extra care if you have a history of sleepiness or falling asleep suddenly in the past. Let your provider know if you feel very sleepy during the daytime or if you fall asleep during activities where you need to concentrate.

                  risk-warning

                  Changes in blood pressure

                  • Risk factors: Uncontrolled blood pressure | Taking other medications that can affect blood pressure | Recent childbirth

                    Bromocriptine (Parlodel) can cause changes to your blood pressure. When you first start the medication, you might have low blood pressure. Symptoms of low blood pressure include tiredness, dizziness, vision changes, and feeling faint.

                    After a week or two, high blood pressure can happen. Extremely high blood pressure can result in a heart attack or seizure. Dangerously high blood pressure is more often seen in people who have just given birth. Seek medical help if you have symptoms of high blood pressure, such as a headache that won't go away, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

                    risk-warning

                    Impulsive behavior

                    There have been reports of people having lower impulse control while taking medications that raise dopamine, such as bromocriptine (Parlodel). This can include strong sexual or gambling urges, urges to spend a lot of money, and binge eating. Talk to your provider if these urges start to have a negative impact on your life. Lowering your dose or stopping the medication can help.

                    risk-warning

                    Fluid around the heart or lungs

                    • Risk factors: Taking high doses of bromocriptine (Parlodel) | Taking bromocriptine (Parlodel) for long periods of time

                      Rarely, unexplained lung and heart problems have been reported in people taking bromocriptine (Parlodel). If you experience symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, or irregular heartbeat, get medical attention right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Blood flow problems

                      • Risk factors: Taking bromocriptine (Parlodel) for acromegaly

                        Some people who take bromocriptine (Parlodel) for acromegaly develop a condition called digital vasospasm. This is where your blood vessels constrict (become narrower) and lower blood flow to your fingers or toes. It's usually triggered by cold temperatures. Let your provider know if you notice a discolored finger or toe that's painful. They might tell you to lower your dose, which can help. Keeping your fingers and toes warm can also help prevent this from happening.

                        dosage

                        Bromocriptine (Parlodel) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 30 tablets of 2.5mg of Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is $39.75 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 67.99% off the average retail price of $124.19.
                        capsule
                        Capsule
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        5mg30 capsules$82.73$2.76
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        2.5mg30 tablets$39.75$1.32

                        Typical dosing for Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

                        • High levels of growth hormone in adults (acromegaly): The starting dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg by mouth after dinner, but before bedtime. Your provider might raise your dose every few days, if needed. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 20 mg to 30 mg once a day.

                        • High levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia): The typical starting dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your provider might raise your dose every few days, if needed. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 15 mg once a day.

                        • Parkinson's disease: The starting dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg by mouth twice a day with meals. Your provider might raise your dose every couple of weeks, if needed. The maximum daily dose is 100 mg.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Bromocriptine (Parlodel) and other drugs

                        Bromocriptine (Parlodel) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bromocriptine (Parlodel). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                        drug-cost

                        How much does Bromocriptine (Parlodel) cost?

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                        Parlodel (brand)
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                        contraindications-icon

                        Bromocriptine (Parlodel) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Bromocriptine (Parlodel) will not be safe for you to take.

                        • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

                        • History of allergy to ergot alkaloids

                        • Postpartum period (following childbirth) in females with a history of heart disease

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Bromocriptine (Parlodel)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bromocriptine (Parlodel). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
                        Used for:
                        $39.75 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Cabergoline
                        Used for:
                        $26.34 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Entacapone (Comtan)
                        Used for:

                        • Relief of "wearing-off" symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease who are taking carbidopa/levodopa medications (e.g., Sinemet, Rytary)

                        $44.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Bromocriptine (Parlodel) images

                        White Round M 42 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "M 42".White Round M 42 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet
                        White Round Pad 0106 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Pad 0106".White Round Pad 0106 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet
                        White Round Bct 2 1 / 2 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Bct 2 1/2".White Round Bct 2 1 / 2 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet
                        White Round 017 017 And Parlodel 2 2 / 12 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Parlodel 2 2/12" And "017 017".White Round 017 017 And Parlodel 2 2 / 12 - Bromocriptine Mesylate 2.5mg Tablet

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Hallare, J., et al. (2023). Half life. StatPearls.

                        Hussain Almalki, M., et al. (2015). Managing prolactinomas during pregnancy. Frontiers in Endocrinology.

                        Kaiser, U. B. (2012). Hyperprolactinemia and infertility: New insights. The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

                        View All References (5)

                        Krupp, P., et al. (1987). Bromocriptine in pregnancy: Safety aspects. Klinische Wochenschrift.

                        MedlinePlus. (2020). Prolactin levels.

                        Thorner, M. O., et al. (1975). Bromocriptine treatment of acromegaly. British Medical Journal. 

                        Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). Parlodel- bromocriptine mesylate tablet; bromocriptine mesylate capsule, gelatin coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        You and Your Hormones. (2023). Prolactin.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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