Bromocriptine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Bromocriptine is an ergot-derived dopamine agonist used mainly for conditions linked to high prolactin levels. It is also used for prolactin-secreting adenomas, acromegaly, and Parkinsonism in adults. Bromocriptine requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and has been available as a generic medicine since 1998-01-13.

Bromocriptine is used for problems linked to high prolactin levels in adults. These can include absent menstrual periods, milk discharge not related to breastfeeding, infertility, or low sex hormone activity.

It is also used for prolactin-secreting adenomas in adults and children aged 11 years and older. These are usually non-cancerous pituitary growths that produce prolactin.

In adults, bromocriptine can be used for acromegaly, a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone. It is also used for the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease or postencephalitic parkinsonism in adults. The product should not be used to stop or suppress normal milk production after childbirth because of the risk of serious adverse reactions.

The label lists 5 mg oral capsules and 0.8 mg and 2.5 mg oral tablets. The label lists oral use with food.

The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once daily for hyperprolactinemia-associated dysfunction and prolactin-secreting adenomas. The label lists recommended dosage ranges of 2.5 mg to 15 mg once daily for hyperprolactinemia-associated dysfunction and 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily for prolactin-secreting adenomas. The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once at bedtime for 3 days for acromegaly.

The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg twice daily for Parkinsonism. The label lists a maximum recommended dosage of 100 mg/daily for acromegaly and 100 mg/day for Parkinsonism. Before treatment, the label lists evaluation for valvular heart disease, including an echocardiogram.

Bromocriptine is an ergot-derived dopamine agonist. It acts in a similar way to dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain and other parts of the body.

In the pituitary gland, dopamine normally reduces the release of prolactin. Bromocriptine can therefore lower prolactin levels when they are too high.

Its dopamine-like activity can also affect other hormone signals. This may help reduce the effects of excess growth hormone in acromegaly. In Parkinsonism, it stimulates dopamine receptors in brain areas involved in movement.

This can help improve some movement symptoms. The same action may also cause unwanted effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, hallucinations, or low blood pressure.

For hyperprolactinemia, the label states that bromocriptine should generally be withdrawn when pregnancy is diagnosed. Continued treatment may be considered in selected patients with a prolactin-secreting macroadenoma, with medical assessment of possible risks during hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. For acromegaly, a decision is needed about whether treatment remains medically necessary, and treatment should be withdrawn during hypertensive disorders of pregnancy unless necessary.

There are no adequate data on developmental risk in pregnant women treated for Parkinsonism. Avoid use during postpartum lactation.

A missed dose should not usually be replaced by taking extra medicine. The next dose should be discussed with a pharmacist or doctor, particularly if several doses have been missed or if treatment is being used for Parkinsonism.

Sudden dosage reduction or withdrawal can be associated with adverse reactions in some patients. Advice may depend on the condition being treated and the prescribed schedule.

Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), with excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Protect from light and dispense in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the reach of children to maintain quality.