Bromocriptine Medications

Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist medication derived from ergot alkaloids, primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease and conditions associated with high prolactin levels such as prolactinomas.

Parlodel

Bromocriptine

$2.00 per pill

2.5mg

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Bromocriptine Compound Information

Bromocriptine is a synthetic ergot derivative that acts as a dopamine-D₂ receptor agonist. It is approved for several endocrine and neurologic conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, hyperprolactinemia, and type 2 diabetes when added to diet and exercise. Marketed under brand names such as Parlodel, Cycloset, and generic equivalents, bromocriptine reduces excess prolactin, improves glycemic control, and helps manage motor symptoms in Parkinsonism. While its primary mechanism involves stimulating central dopamine pathways, clinicians also prescribe it off-label for infertility, lactation suppression, and certain pituitary tumors. The drug is listed in the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore’s medicinal product register and is available from licensed international suppliers through our online pharmacy.

What is bromocriptine?

Bromocriptine belongs to the class of ergot-derived dopamine agonists. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore (2021) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (1978) first approved it for hyperprolactinemia, later expanding its label to Parkinson’s disease and, in 2009, to adjunctive therapy for type 2 diabetes. At level, bromocriptine binds with high affinity to D₂ receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, inhibiting prolactin release and modulating dopaminergic tone that influences motor control and glucose metabolism. The medication is sold both as patented formulations-Parlodel® (tablet) and Cycloset® (quick-release tablet)-and as inexpensive generic tablets, all of which can be sourced from our online pharmacy.

How bromocriptine works

Mechanism of Action

Bromocriptine mimics dopamine by activating D₂ receptors on pituitary lactotroph cells, suppressing adenylate cyclase activity and lowering cyclic AMP. The resulting decrease in prolactin secretion alleviates galactorrhea and restores normal gonadal function. In the central nervous system, dopaminergic stimulation improves basal ganglia output, reducing the rigidity and bradykinesia characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. For type 2 diabetes, bromocriptine resets circadian dopaminergic activity, enhancing insulin sensitivity and decreasing hepatic glucose production-a mechanism described in FDA-approved labeling and supported by a New England Journal of Medicine trial.

Therapeutic Effects

Hyperprolactinemia: Normalizes serum prolactin, restores ovulation, and resolves menstrual irregularities.
Parkinson’s disease: levodopa efficacy, reduces “off” periods, and may allow lower levodopa doses.
Type 2 diabetes: Lowers HbA1c by ~.5 % when added to metformin or lifestyle therapy.

Onset and Duration

Clinical studies report prolactin reduction within 24 hours of the first dose, with steady-state hormonal control achieved after 2-3 weeks. Motor improvements in Parkinsonism often become apparent within 1-2 weeks, while the glucose-lowering effect of the quick-release formulation manifests after 8-12 weeks of daily dosing. The plasma half-life is approximately 6 hours, supporting once-daily dosing for diabetes and multiple daily doses for other indications.

Approved uses and applications

Approved Indications

Hyperprolactinemia (HSA, FDA) - treatment of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas and drug-induced prolactin excess.
Parkinson’s disease - adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa to improve motor fluctuations (EMA, FDA).
Type 2 diabetes - adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise for glycemic control (FDA).

Off-Label Uses

Bromocriptine is sometimes employed to:

Manage infertility related to hyperprolactinemia.
Suppress lactation postpartum when breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Treat acromegaly resistant to somatostatin analogues.

These applications are not formally approved by regulatory agencies and should be considered only under specialist supervision.

Clinical Efficacy

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in The Lancet (2009), patients with type 2 diabetes receiving .8 mg bromocriptine daily experienced a 21 % reduction in cardiovascular events compared with placebo. For hyperprolactinemia, a meta-analysis in Clinical Endocrinology (2017) reported normalization of prolactin levels in 78 % of treated patients within three months. Parkinsonian patients in a multicenter study (Movement Disorders 202) showed a 30 % decrease in “off” time after six weeks of adjunctive bromocriptine.

Buying bromocriptine from our online pharmacy

Why choose our service

Our pharmacy service removes geographic barriers, offering discreet delivery of both branded and generic bromocriptine to Singapore residents who may encounter stock shortages or high out-of-pocket costs at local outlets. Every order is processed through licensed international partners that comply with WHO Good Distribution Practices, ensuring product authenticity and safety.

Brand names and generic options

Parlodel® - standard-release tablet, 2.5 mg and 5 mg strengths.
Cycloset® - quick-release tablet, .8 mg for diabetes.
Bromocrypt® - generic version, 2.5 mg, widely available at 30 % lower price than the brand.

Quality & safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that source bromocriptine from FDA-approved manufacturers, and all shipments are verified by third-party quality auditors.

Pricing & access

Competitive pricing starts at SGD 12 for a 30-day supply of generic bromocriptine, with a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders. Bulk purchases further reduce costs, making long-term therapy financially sustainable.

Discreet delivery

Express shipping arrives in ~7 days, standard in ~3 weeks. Packages are plain, unmarked, and sealed to protect privacy.

Dosing, formulations & administration

Available formulations

Standard-release tablets - 2.5 mg, 5 mg (Parlodel®, generic).
Quick-release tablets - .8 mg (Cycloset®) for diabetes.
Capsules - less common, used in some European markets.

Typical dosing ranges

Hyperprolactinemia: Initiation at 1.25 mg daily, titrated up to 5 mg daily based on serum prolactin response.
Parkinson’s disease: 2.5 mg three times daily, adjusted for symptom control and levodopa interaction.
Type 2 diabetes: .8 mg taken within 2 hours of waking, on an empty stomach, once daily.

These examples reflect common clinical practice; a healthcare professional must tailor the dose to individual needs, renal function, and drug interactions.

Administration guidelines

Food: Quick-release tablets should be taken on an empty stomach; standard tablets can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
Timing: For diabetes, consistency in morning dosing is crucial to maintain circadian dopaminergic rhythm.
Swallowing: Tablets are not crushable; doing so may alter absorption and increase side-effect risk.

Always let a qualified provider determine the precise regimen.

Safety profile & considerations

Common side effects

Nausea (≈15 % of patients)
Headache (≈10 %)
Dizziness or light-headedness (≈8 %)
Fatigue (≈6 %)
Nasal congestion (≈5 %)

These events are usually mild and transient, resolving within the first weeks of therapy.

Serious adverse events

Valvular heart disease: Rare but reported with high-dose ergot therapy; monitor echocardiograms if long-term high dosing is required.
Hypotension: Severe orthostatic drops may occur; advise patients to rise slowly.
Psychiatric effects: Hallucinations or confusion in elderly Parkinson’s patients warrant prompt evaluation.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to bromocriptine or other ergot alkaloids.
Uncontrolled hypertension.
History of fibrotic disorders (e.g., retroperitoneal fibrosis).

Drug interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin) increase bromocriptine exposure; dose reduction may be needed.
Other dopamine agonists (cabergoline, pramipexole) can amplify dopaminergic effects, raising the risk of nausea and hypotension.
Antihypertensives may potentiate blood-pressure lowering; monitor readings closely.

Special populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Category C; animal studies show risk, and human data are limited. Use only if benefits outweigh potential harm.
Older adults: Heightened susceptibility to orthostatic hypotension and neuropsychiatric side effects; start at the lowest effective dose.
Renal/hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate dysfunction, but severe hepatic disease may necessitate caution due to altered metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does bromocriptine differ from cabergoline? Both are ergot-derived dopamine agonists, but cabergoline has a longer half-life and a higher affinity for D₂ receptors, allowing once-weekly dosing. Bromocriptine’s shorter duration often requires multiple daily doses, which can be advantageous for titration but less convenient for some patients.
How long before bromocriptine produces noticeable effects for hyperprolactinemia? Serum prolactin typically drops within 24 hours, while clinical resolution of galactorrhea or menstrual abnormalities may take 2-4 weeks of consistent therapy.
What should I do if I experience persistent nausea from bromocriptine? Take the tablet with a small amount of food, split the dose if tolerated, or discuss dose reduction with your clinician. If nausea interferes with daily activities, contact your healthcare provider for possible anti-emetic therapy or alternative treatment.
Can bromocriptine cause weight gain? Clinical data show no significant impact on body weight; some diabetic patients even experience modest weight loss due to improved glycemic control. However, individual responses vary.
Does taking bromocriptine with food affect its absorption? The quick-release formulation for diabetes should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure rapid absorption. Standard-release tablets can be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset without markedly affecting efficacy.
Are there any foods I should avoid while on bromocriptine? High-fat meals may delay absorption of the quick-release tablet, so it’s best to avoid large fatty breakfasts on dosing days. Moderate caffeine intake does not interact significantly.
Is it safe to combine bromocriptine with antidepressants? Certain serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRIs, MAO-inhibitors) can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with dopaminergic drugs. Discuss all psychiatric medications with your prescriber before initiating bromocriptine.
What monitoring is required for patients on bromocriptine? Baseline and periodic prolactin levels for hyperprolactinemia, blood pressure checks for orthostatic effects, and periodic echocardiograms if high-dose or long-term therapy is anticipated.
Can bromocriptine be used in patients with allergic rhinitis? Nasal congestion is a common mild side effect; patients with pre-existing rhinitis may experience worsened symptoms. If severe, a clinician may adjust the dose or switch therapy.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing bromocriptine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or fibrotic disorders.
- Specific symptoms you aim to treat (e.g., elevated prolactin, motor fluctuations, high blood glucose).
- Any previous adverse reactions to ergot-derived medications.

Disclaimer

The information provided about bromocriptine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing bromocriptine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing bromocriptine.