Bromocriptine
Content provided by Healthwise
Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Parlodel | bromocriptine |
Bromocriptine is usually taken orally. However, it also comes in a vaginal suppository if the oral form causes nausea.
How It Works
Bromocriptine reduces the body's production of prolactin, a hormone that is involved in breast development.
Why It Is Used
Bromocriptine may be used when breast tenderness is a major symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Bromocriptine is used to treat breast pain, tenderness, and lumpiness that occur with fibrocystic changes. This is an unlabeled use of bromocriptine. Bromocriptine is also used when nipple discharge is caused by a growth on the pituitary gland.
How Well It Works
Bromocriptine can reduce symptoms of cyclic breast pain.
Bromocriptine relieves breast tenderness or pain that occurs with PMS. It does not relieve other PMS symptoms.
Side Effects
Side effects are very common with bromocriptine. Most of the side effects are mild to moderate in severity. They may include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Headache.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Fatigue.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
The side effects of bromocriptine may outweigh the benefit of relieving breast tenderness. Because of this, bromocriptine treatment usually is only used in women who have severe cyclic breast pain that disrupts their lives.
Side effects can be reduced by starting the medication at very low doses and gradually increasing the dose.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | July 7, 2006 |
| Last updated: | July 07, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
