Bromocriptine Mesylate

Bromocriptine Mesylate is for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder. It affects the nervous system and symptoms become worse over time. Most of the symptoms develop and some people will have dementia. Here are some early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

  • There may be a tremor in the hands
  • A reduced sense of coordination and balance that causes people to drop items they are holding
  • The posture of the person may change, they lean forward slightly as if they were hurrying
  • Facial expression can become fixed due to changes in the nerves that control facial muscles
  • There may be a tremor in the voice or the person may speak more softly than before
  • Handwriting may become more cramped and smaller
  • A loss of sense of smell can be an early sign
  • Sleep problems

Other common symptoms may include:

  • Mood changes (Depression)
  • Problems in urination
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
  • Skin problems
  • Constipation
  • Sleep problems

This medication may help you improve your ability to move and may lessen slow movement, stiffness, and shakiness. This drug may as well be used for the treatment of:

  • High levels of a certain hormone made by the body called prolactin
  • High levels of a growth hormone called acromegaly

Bromocriptine Mesylate is an ergot medication that acts like a certain natural substance in the brain which is called dopamine. This prevents the release of certain hormones – prolactin and growth hormone. Bromocriptine Mesylate can lower these hormone levels but it does not cure the causes of the increasing levels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication. This product is supplied as tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains Bromocriptine Mesylate as an active ingredient. This is available in the dosage form of 5 mg.

How does Bromocriptine Mesylate work?

Bromocriptine Mesylate works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain. This is mainly used to treat disorders that result from high levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This drug lessens the production of prolactin from the pituitary. It is by stimulating dopamine receptors. A high prolactin level is associated with several conditions. Over-production of this hormone causes abnormal production of breast milk in both men and women. It also suppresses the sexual glands and may result in infertility. Decreasing the production of prolactin can, therefore, improve these conditions.

Bromocriptine Mesylate action on dopamine receptors also decreases the production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

The neurotransmitter dopamine is known to be reduced or absent in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease. This is thought to be the cause of disease symptoms. Stimulating dopamine receptors with this drug is similar to replacing the dopamine in the brain. This lessens some of the diseases.

How to use Bromocriptine Mesylate?

This prescription is to be taken by mouth. Usually, the dose is taken 1 or 2 times a day. Each dose is to be taken with food or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, chew, or crush it. Doing so can release the entire drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Take this medicine regularly for the best benefit.

The recommended dosage will depend on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment. You must take this drug exactly as it is prescribed. You should not take this more or less than it is given by your doctor. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without the consent of your doctor. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule. Inform your doctor if your condition gets worse or does not improve.

What are the side effects of Bromocriptine Mesylate?

Normal side effects:

  • Depression
  • Mild headache
  • Spinning sensation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Tired feeling
  • Sleep problems or insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Cold feeling or numbness in your fingers
  • Stuffy nose

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects such as:

  • Constant runny nose
  • Vision problems
  • Pain when you breathe
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fast heart rate
  • Back
  • Shortness of breath
  • Urinating less than usual or not at all
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion
  • Feeling like you might pass out
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Muscle movements that you cannot control
  • Low blood sugar (headache, sweating, irritability, or trouble concentrating)

Call for medical assistance if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as:

  • Hives or itching
  • Trouble or difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue

Warnings and Precautions

  • Before using Bromocriptine Mesylate, tell your doctor if you have a medical history of certain genetic enzyme problems, kidney or liver disease, and heart disease.
  • This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not use any machinery or do anything that needs your alertness.
  • While having this treatment, avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may increase drug levels.
  • You should not share this or any of your medications with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
  • Do not take this medication if you are allergic to it. This drug may contain some ingredients that cause an allergic reaction.
  • Tell your doctor if you have any other medications such as vitamins or herbal supplements.
  • This drug can cause sleepiness and on rare occasions, people have experienced a sudden onset of sleep during their daily activities.
  • Use this medication with caution in people with decreased liver function, with a history of peptic illness and psychiatric illness.
  • This should not be used in children under 15 years of age.
  • This should only be used when needed during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding women, consult your doctor first before taking a dose.
  • Keep Bromocriptine Mesylate and your other medications far from heat, moisture, and reach of children.