Generic Parlodel

Product Information

Why is Parlodel tablet prescribed?

Parlodel tablet inhibits the secretion of the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland. It also mimics the action of dopamine, a chemical lacking in the brain of someone with Parkinson's disease. It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Infertility in some women
• Menstrual problems such as the abnormal stoppage or absence of flow, with or without excessive production of milk
• Growth hormone overproduction leading to acromegaly, a condition characterized by an abnormally large skull, jaw, hands, and feet
• Parkinson's disease
• Pituitary gland tumors

Some doctors also prescribe Parlodel tablet to treat cocaine addiction, the eye condition known as glaucoma, erection problems in certain men, restless leg syndrome, and a dangerous reaction to major tranquilizers called neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Most important fact about Parlodel tablet

Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a severe headache that does not let up or continues to get worse. It could be a warning of the possibility of other dangerous reactions, including seizure, stroke, or heart attack.

How should you take Parlodel tablet?

Parlodel tablet should be taken with food. Take the first dose while lying down. You may faint or become dizzy due to lower blood pressure, especially following the first dose.

You may not feel the full effect of Parlodel tablet for a few weeks. Do not stop taking Parlodel tablet without first checking with your doctor.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember if it is within 4 hours of the scheduled time. Otherwise, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

information...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

What side effects may occur?

The number and severity of side effects depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, dosage, and duration of treatment. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Parlodel tablet.

More common side effects may include:

Abdominal cramps or discomfort, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, hallucinations (particularly in Parkinson's patients), headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, nasal congestion, nausea, shortness of breath, uncontrolled body movement, vertigo, visual disturbance, vomiting, weakness

Some of the above side effects are also symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Why should Parlodel tablet not be prescribed?

You should not be using Parlodel tablet if you have high blood pressure that is not under control or if you are pregnant (unless your doctor finds it medically necessary). You should also not take Parlodel tablet if you are allergic to it or to any other drugs containing ergot alkaloids, such as Bellergal-S and Cafergot.

Women who have severe heart conditions should not use Parlodel tablet after they have had a baby unless it is medically necessary.

Special warnings about Parlodel tablet

Your doctor will check your pituitary gland thoroughly before you are treated with Parlodel tablet.

Since Parlodel tablet can restore fertility and pregnancy can result, women who do not want to become pregnant should use a "barrier" method of contraception during treatment with Parlodel tablet. Do not use the "Pill" or oral contraceptives, as they may prevent Parlodel tablet from working properly.

Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are being treated with Parlodel tablet.

If you have kidney or liver disease, consult your doctor before taking Parlodel tablet.

If you are being treated with Parlodel tablet for endocrine problems related to a tumor and stop taking Parlodel tablet, the tumor may grow back rapidly.

Use Parlodel tablet with caution if you have had mental problems, any disease of the heart and circulatory system, peptic ulcer, or bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

If you are being treated for Parkinson's disease, the use of Parlodel tablet alone or Parlodel tablet with levodopa may cause hallucinations, confusion, and low blood pressure. If this happens, notify your doctor immediately.

If you have an abnormal heartbeat rhythm caused by a previous heart attack, consult your doctor before taking Parlodel tablet.

If you experience a persistent watery nasal discharge while taking Parlodel tablet, notify your doctor.

This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure about your ability to do so.

Your first dose of Parlodel tablet may cause dizziness. If so, check with your doctor.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Parlodel tablet

Combining alcohol with Parlodel tablet can cause blurred vision, chest pain, pounding heartbeat, throbbing headache, confusion, and other problems. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Parlodel tablet.

Certain drugs used for psychotic conditions, including Thorazine and Haldol, inhibit the action of Parlodel tablet. It is important that you consult your doctor before taking these drugs while on Parlodel tablet therapy.

Other drugs that may interact with Parlodel tablet include:

Blood pressure-lowering drugs such as Aldomet and Catapres

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Oral contraceptives

Other ergot derivatives such as Hydergine

Pimozide (Orap)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The use of Parlodel tablet during pregnancy should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor. If Parlodel tablet is essential to your treatment, your doctor will carefully monitor you throughout your pregnancy.

You should not take Parlodel tablet while breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Parlodel tablet is available as 2.5-milligram tablets and 5-milligram capsules. Dosage information given is for 2.5-milligram tablets.

Excess Prolactin Hormone

If you are being treated for conditions associated with excess prolactin, such as menstrual problems, with or without excessive milk production, infertility, or pituitary gland tumors, the usual starting dose is one-half to 1 tablet daily. Your doctor may add a tablet every 3 to 7 days, until the treatment works. The usual longer term dose is 5 to 7.5 milligrams per day and ranges from 2.5 to 15 milligrams per day.

Growth Hormone Overproduction

Treatment for the overproduction of growth hormones is usually one-half to 1 tablet with food at bedtime for 3 days. Your doctor may add one-half to 1 tablet every 3 to 7 days. The usual treatment dose varies from 20 to 30 milligrams per day. The dose should not exceed 100 milligrams per day. Your doctor will do a monthly re-evaluation.

Parkinson's Disease

Parlodel tablet taken in combination with levodopa may provide additional treatment benefits if you are currently taking high doses of levodopa, are beginning to develop a tolerance to levodopa, or are experiencing "end of dose failure" on levodopa therapy.

The usual starting dose of Parlodel tablet is one-half tablet twice a day with meals. Your dose will be monitored by your doctor at 2-week intervals. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose every 14 to 28 days by 1 tablet per day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Parlodel tablet have not been established in children.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Parlodel tablet, contact your doctor immediately or seek other medical attention.

Symptoms of Parlodel tablet overdose may include:

Confusion, constipation, delusions, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling unwell, hallucinations, lethargy, nausea, pallor, severely low blood pressure, sweating, vomiting, yawning repeatedly