Generic Parlodel (Bromocriptine)

Introduction

Parlodel contains the dopamine-agonist bromocriptine, a synthetic ergot alkaloid that reduces excess prolactin secretion and influences several neuro-endocrine pathways. The tablet is supplied in a 2.5 mg strength and belongs to the class of dopamine-receptor agonists. It is approved in many jurisdictions for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia, certain types of Parkinson’s disease, and the prevention of hormone-related complications after ovulation induction. In addition, bromocriptine has documented off-label uses that are occasionally employed by specialists under strict medical supervision.

What is Parlodel?

Parlodel is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound bromocriptine. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Bromocriptine was first synthesized in the s as part of a series of ergot-derived compounds. It is marketed under brand names such as Cycloset and Parlodel in various countries. The drug is manufactured as an oral tablet (typically 2.5 mg) that is swallowed whole with water.

How Parlodel Works

Bromocriptine binds to dopamine D₂ receptors in the pituitary gland, which normally inhibit prolactin release. By stimulating these receptors, the drug suppresses the secretion of prolactin, normalising serum levels and reducing associated symptoms such as galactorrhoea and menstrual disturbances. In the central nervous system, bromocriptine also activates dopaminergic pathways that improve motor function in Parkinson’s disease. The onset of prolactin suppression is usually observed within 24 hours, while the therapeutic effect on motor symptoms may require several weeks of titration. The drug is metabolised primarily by hepatic CYP3A4 and eliminated through renal excretion; the half-life ranges from to 7 hours, necessitating multiple daily doses for some indications.

Conditions Treated with Parlodel

• Hyperprolactinemia - Elevated prolactin can cause infertility, galactorrhoea, and menstrual irregularities. Bromocriptine restores normal prolactin levels, enabling ovulation and alleviating glandular discharge.
• Parkinson’s disease (early-stage adjunct) - As a dopamine agonist, bromocrurptine improves rigidity, bradykinesia, and tremor when used together with levodopa or as monotherapy in selected patients.
• Prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after assisted reproduction - By limiting prolactin-mediated vascular permeability, the drug reduces the incidence of severe OHSS in women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

These approvals are based on robust clinical trials reviewed by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines).

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Parlodel

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus - Clinical studies have shown that bromocriptine-immediate-release can improve glycaemic control by modulating hypothalamic neuropeptides that affect peripheral insulin sensitivity. The formulation used for diabetes (Cycloset) is a distinct, timed-release product, but the same active molecule underlies the effect. This indication is not approved for the standard Parlodel tablet.
• Acromegaly adjunct therapy - Small pilot trials suggest that bromocriptine may lower insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels when combined with somatostatin analogues, offering a potential additive effect. Use remains investigational.
• Growth hormone deficiency in children - Early-phase research indicates that dopaminergic stimulation can influence growth hormone secretion, but safety data are incomplete.

These applications are not formally sanctioned by regulatory bodies. Any consideration of off-label use must occur under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Parlodel the Right Medication for You?

Parlodel is appropriate for adults who have:

• Documented hyperprolactinemia confirmed by laboratory testing.
• Early-stage Parkinson’s disease requiring adjunct dopaminergic therapy, especially when levodopa-induced dyskinesia is a concern.
• Undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation where a physician anticipates a high risk of OHSS.

Contraindications include:

• Known hypersensitivity to bromocriptine or any ergot-derived compounds.
• Uncontrolled hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, or recent myocardial infarction.
• Pregnancy and lactation (unless the benefit outweighs risk under specialist guidance).

Patients with a history of fibrotic disorders (retroperitoneal, pleural, or pericardial) should avoid bromocriptine, as ergot derivatives have been linked to fibrotic complications.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
• Headache or dizziness
• Nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea
• Fatigue or somnolence

Rare

• Orthostatic hypotension (especially on initiation)
• Peripheral edema
• Visual disturbances (blurred vision, diplopia)

Serious

• Cardiac valvulopathy or fibrotic disease (retroperitoneal, pleural, or pericardial)
• Severe hypotension leading to syncope
• Psychotic symptoms or hallucinations (rare, dose-related)

Drug-Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can raise bromocriptine plasma concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
• Antihypertensives (especially alpha-blockers) may potentiate orthostatic hypotension.
• Other dopamine agonists or levodopa may amplify dopaminergic activity, leading to nausea or dyskinesia.

Drug-Food Interactions

• High-fat meals can delay absorption and reduce peak plasma levels; it is advisable to take the tablet with a low-fat meal or on an empty stomach as directed by the prescriber.
• Alcohol can exacerbate dizziness and should be avoided while initiating therapy.

Patients should disclose all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products to avoid unintended interactions.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing varies by indication:

• Hyperprolactinemia - Start with 2.5 mg once daily; increase by 2.5 mg weekly to a typical maintenance dose of 5-10 mg daily, divided into two doses.
• Parkinson’s disease adjunct - Initiate at 1.25 mg once daily; titrate up to 7.5 mg per day in divided doses based on clinical response.
• OHSS prophylaxis - 2.5 mg taken twice daily beginning on the day of hCG trigger and continued for 7-10 days.

Missed dose - If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is more than 12 hours away, take the missed tablet as soon as remembered. Skip the dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose; do not double-dose.

Overdose - Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Supportive care typically involves gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, and monitoring of cardiac function.

Practical precautions - Bromocriptine can cause drowsiness; avoid operating heavy machinery until the individual response is known. Alcohol should be avoided during dose titration. The tablet should be swallowed whole; crushing may increase the risk of nausea.

FAQ

• What should I do if I travel internationally with Parlodel?

  • Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription label. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to maintain temperature control and avoid loss.

• Does the color or shape of the Parlodel tablet vary by manufacturer?

  • Generic bromocriptine tablets are typically round, white to off-white, and may have a film coating. Specific imprint codes differ between licensed producers; refer to the packaging for verification.

• Are there any dietary restrictions while taking bromocriptine?

  • A low-fat meal is recommended to improve absorption. High-fat foods can delay onset of action, while excessive caffeine may increase nausea.

• Can bromocriptine affect hormone testing results?

  • Yes. Because bromocriptine suppresses prolactin, serum prolactin measurements taken while on therapy will be lower than baseline. Inform the laboratory if testing is required.

• Is it safe to use bromocriptine during a hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) regimen?

  • Bromocriptine can interact with estrogen-containing HRT by increasing the risk of nausea and orthostatic hypotension. Coordination with the prescribing clinician is essential.

• How stable is the medication in extreme temperatures?

  • Store tablets at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Exposure to temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) for prolonged periods may degrade potency. Avoid storing in a vehicle during summer.

• Are generic and brand-name bromocriptine interchangeable?

  • Both contain the same active ingredient, but excipients may differ. Bioequivalence studies have shown comparable efficacy, yet some patients report slight differences in tolerability.

• What monitoring is required while on bromocriptine?

  • Baseline and periodic measurement of serum prolactin, blood pressure, and liver function tests is recommended. Cardiac evaluation may be needed for patients with pre-existing heart disease.

• Can bromocriptine cause weight changes?

  • Some patients experience mild weight loss due to reduced appetite, while others report no change. Significant weight fluctuations are uncommon.

• Is there a risk of dependency on bromocriptine?

  • Bromocriptine does not produce addictive properties. However, abrupt discontinuation may cause rebound hyperprolactinemia; tapering under medical guidance is advised.

• How does bromocriptine compare with other dopamine agonists for Parkinson’s disease?

  • Compared with pramipexole or ropinirole, bromocriptine has a shorter half-life and may require more frequent dosing. It is less commonly used as first-line therapy but remains valuable as an adjunct.

Glossary

Dopamine D₂ Receptor

A protein on pituitary cells that, when activated by dopamine, inhibits prolactin release.

Ergot Alkaloid

A class of compounds derived from the fungus Claviceps purpurea; bromocriptine belongs to this group and exerts central nervous system effects.

Hyperprolactinemia

An endocrine disorder characterized by abnormally high levels of the hormone prolactin, leading to reproductive and metabolic disturbances.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting; a known side effect of dopaminergic agents.

Buying Parlodel from Our Online Pharmacy

lodel can be obtained from our online pharmacy, which specializes in providing high-quality generic medicines at prices close to the manufacturer’s cost. All tablets are sourced from licensed, audited suppliers that meet international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring purity and potency.

Our service offers discreet packaging and a reliable delivery network: express shipping typically arrives within 7 days, while standard airmail takes approximately 3 weeks. Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we can source international formulations that may not be stocked in local pharmacies, giving patients greater access when conventional channels are limited.

Privacy is a core commitment; shipments are unmarked and sent to a secure address of your choosing, protecting your confidentiality throughout the process. By choosing our pharmacy, you gain a cost-effective, trustworthy pathway to the medication you need, without compromising safety or discretion.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Parlodel is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace a professional medical evaluation. All therapeutic decisions, including those concerning off-label applications, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy offers access to Parlodel for individuals who may encounter limited availability through or insurance-based dispensing, or who seek an affordable generic option. Always consult a qualified clinician before initiating, modifying, or stopping any medication.