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Parlodel: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Parlodel - General Information

A semisynthetic ergotamine alkaloid that is a dopamine D2 agonist. It suppresses prolactin secretion. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Parlodel

Parlodel is an ergoline derivitave dopamine agonist that is used in the treatment of amenorrhea, female infertility, abnormal discharge of breast milk, hypogonadism, Parkinson's disease, and acromegaly. Parlodel produces its therapeutic effect in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a clinical condition characterized by a progressive deficiency in dopamine synthesis in the substantia nigra, by directly stimulating the dopamine receptors in the corpus striatum.

 

Parlodel for patients

During clinical trials, dizziness (8%-16%), drowsiness (8%), faintness, fainting (8%), and syncope (less than 1%) have been reported early in the course of Parlodel therapy. In post-marketing reports, Parlodel has been associated with somnolence, and episodes of sudden sleep onset, particularly in patients with Parkinsonís disease. Sudden onset of sleep during daily activities, in some cases without awareness or warning signs, has been reported very rarely. All patients receiving Parlodel should be cautioned with regard to engaging in activities requiring rapid and precise responses, such as driving an automobile or operating machinery.

Patients receiving Parlodel for hyperprolactinemic states associated with macroadenoma or those who have had previous transsphenoidal surgery, should be told to report any persistent watery nasal discharge to their physician. Patients receiving Parlodel for treatment of a macroadenoma should be told that discontinuation of drug may be associated with rapid regrowth of the tumor and recurrence of their original symptoms.

 

Parlodel Interactions

The risk of using bromocriptine mesylate in combination with other drugs has not been systematically evaluated, but alcohol may potentiate the side effects of bromocriptine mesylate. Bromocriptine mesylate may interact with dopamine antagonists, butyrophenones, and certain other agents. Compounds in these categories result in a decreased efficacy of bromocriptine mesylate: phenothiazines, haloperidol, metoclopramide, pimozide. Concomitant use of bromocriptine mesylate with other ergot alkaloids is not recommended.

 

Parlodel Contraindications

Uncontrolled hypertension and sensitivity to any ergot alkaloids. In patients being treated for hyperprolactinemia bromocriptine mesylate should be withdrawn when pregnancy is diagnosed. In the event that bromocriptine mesylate is reinstituted to control a rapidly expanding macroadenoma and a patient experiences a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, the benefit of continuing bromocriptine mesylate must be weighed against the possible risk of its use during a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. When bromocriptine mesylate is being used to treat acromegaly, prolactinoma, or Parkinsonís disease in patients who subsequently become pregnant, a decision should be made as to whether the therapy continues to be medically necessary or can be withdrawn. If it is continued, the drug should be withdrawn in those who may experience hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including eclampsia, preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension) unless withdrawal of bromocriptine mesylate is considered to be medically contraindicated. The drug should not be used during the post-partum period in women with a history of coronary artery disease and other severe cardiovascular conditions unless withdrawal is considered medically contraindicated. If the drug is used in the post-partum period the patient should be observed with caution.

 

Additional information about Parlodel

Parlodel Indication: For treatment of idiopathic or postencephalitic Parkinson's disease, dysfunctions associated with hyperprolactinemia and in the treatment of acromegaly. Mechanism Of Action: Parlodel acts by directly stimulating the dopamine receptors in the corpus striatum. Drug Interactions: Acetophenazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineChlorpromazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineEthopropazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineFluphenazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineMesoridazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineMethdilazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptinePerphenazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineProchlorperazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptinePromazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptinePromethazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptinePropiomazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineThiethylperazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineThioridazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineTrifluoperazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineTriflupromazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineTrimeprazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptineErythromycin Erythromycin increases serum levels of bromocriptineJosamycin Erythromycin increases serum levels of bromocriptinePhenylpropanolamine The sympathomimetic increases the toxicity of bromocriptinePseudoephedrine The sympathomimetic increases the toxicity of bromocriptineMethotrimeprazine The phenothiazine decreases the effect of bromocriptine Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol.Take with food to reduce irritation. Generic Name: Bromocriptine Synonyms: Bromocriptina [Inn-Spanish]; Bromocriptin; Bromergocryptine; Bromocriptine Mesylate; Bromocriptine Methanesulfonate; Bromocriptinum [Inn-Latin]; Bromocryptine; Bromocryptine Mesylate; Bromoergocriptine; Bromoergocryptine Drug Category: Antiparkinson Agents; Antidyskinetics Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Bromocriptine: Alti-Bromocriptine; Apo-Bromocriptine; Parlodel; Parlodel Snaptabs; Pravidel; Bagren; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: 90-96% Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: 4-15 hours Dosage Forms of Parlodel: Tablet OralCapsule Oral Chemical IUPAC Name: Not Available Chemical Formula: C32H40BrN5O5 Bromocriptine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromocriptine Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals