Parlodel
In brief
- Parlodel (bromocriptine) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
- Parlodel is used for hyperprolactinaemia, acromegaly and Parkinson’s disease. It is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist that suppresses prolactin release, reduces growth-hormone secretion and enhances dopaminergic tone in the central nervous system.
- Usual adult dosages vary by condition: hyperprolactinaemia 1.25–2.5 mg once or twice daily (maintenance up to ~7.5 mg/day; max 15 mg/day); acromegaly starting 1.25–2.5 mg qd/bid with titration up to 20–30 mg/day; Parkinson’s typically started 1.25 mg qd/bid with usual ranges 10–40 mg/day.
- Form of administration: oral tablets (2.5 mg).
- Onset time: pharmacological effects begin within 1–3 hours after an oral dose (prolactin suppression can be seen within hours), though clinical benefits for some conditions may take days to weeks.
- Duration of action: effects persist for several hours; bromocriptine has a plasma Tmax of ~1–3 hours and an elimination half-life of roughly 3–7 hours, so symptomatic effects commonly last on the order of 8–12 hours depending on dose and individual response.
- Alcohol warning: avoid or limit alcohol while taking Parlodel because alcohol can increase dizziness, sedation and the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
- The most common side effect is nausea; other frequent effects include headache, dizziness/vertigo, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, constipation and nasal congestion.
- Would you like to try Parlodel without a prescription?
Basic parlodel information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Bromocriptine
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Parlodel (originator); generic bromocriptine
- ATC code: G02CB01
- Forms and dosages: tablets 2.5 mg
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: authorised by the MHRA; prescription-only medicine (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Legal status and availability in the UK
Parlodel is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Parlodel is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Product summary
The INN is bromocriptine, a dopamine D2 agonist used to suppress prolactin and, in specialist settings, growth hormone. The ATC classification is G02CB01, under prolactin inhibitors (ergot derivatives).
Parlodel and its generics are most commonly supplied as 2.5 mg tablets in blister packs.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| INN | Bromocriptine |
| Strength | 2.5 mg |
| ATC | G02CB01 |
| Prescription | Prescription-only medicine (POM) |
| Principal indications | Hyperprolactinaemia, Parkinson’s disease (adjunct), acromegaly |
| Storage | Room temperature, protect from moisture and light |
Licensed indications and common UK uses
Main licensed indications
Bromocriptine is used for hyperprolactinaemia, as an adjunct in Parkinson’s disease and for acromegaly.
Typical dosing per condition
For hyperprolactinaemia, typical starting doses are 1.25–2.5 mg once or twice daily, with maintenance up to 7.5 mg per day and a maximum commonly cited at 15 mg per day.
Acromegaly and Parkinson’s dosing requires gradual titration under specialist supervision, with higher specialist doses used for acromegaly.
Who should consider Parlodel
Appropriate candidates
Suitable patients include those with hyperprolactinaemia requiring reduction of serum prolactin, some Parkinson’s patients as adjunctive therapy, and selected acromegaly patients chosen for dopamine agonist therapy.
Candidates must be able to tolerate dose escalation and accept monitoring requirements for efficacy and adverse effects.
Absolute and relative exclusions
Absolute contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension, severe psychotic disorders and known hypersensitivity to bromocriptine or other ergot derivatives.
Postpartum women at risk of pre-eclampsia or with eclampsia are excluded from use.
Relative cautions include cardiovascular disease, hepatic or renal impairment, history of peptic ulcer and older age due to increased CNS and hypotensive sensitivity. Blood pressure, cardiovascular history, psychiatric history and current psychotropic medicines should be reviewed before starting.
Dosage, titration and administration
Starting and titration regimens
Treatment begins at a low dose, commonly 1.25–2.5 mg daily or divided, and is increased gradually according to response and tolerability.
For hyperprolactinaemia maintenance typically sits up to 7.5 mg per day, while acromegaly and Parkinson’s require slower specialist titration and higher target doses where indicated.
Administration tips
Taking the tablet with food reduces nausea, and taking larger doses at night can reduce daytime sedation for some patients.
Doses are split during titration as recommended. If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless the next dose is due soon, and do not double doses.
Overdose management
An overdose can be harmful. It may cause vomiting, dizziness, hypotension, confusion, hallucinations and arrhythmia, so seek medical help promptly (NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency).
Storage and handling
Store at room temperature away from excess moisture and heat, and protect from light by keeping tablets in their original blister until use. Do not store tablets in bathrooms or other humid locations.
| Storage | Action |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | Keep in original blister; do not refrigerate |
| Moisture | Avoid bathrooms and humid areas |
| Disposal | Return unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal |
Side effects, monitoring and how to manage them
Common adverse effects
Nausea is the most frequently reported side effect and tends to be dose-dependent.
Other common complaints include headache, dizziness or vertigo, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, constipation and nasal congestion.
Digital vasospasm is rare but can present as cold fingers or toes.
Serious or dose-limiting events
Confusion and hallucinations can occur, especially in elderly patients or those on high doses for Parkinson’s disease.
Severe hypotension or cardiac events require urgent clinical review and may necessitate treatment cessation.
Monitoring plan
| Parameter | When | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Baseline and during titration | Stand up slowly; the dose may be reduced if symptomatic |
| Mental health screen | Baseline and if cognitive changes occur | Tell the prescriber if confusion or hallucinations occur |
| Prolactin levels | Baseline, then periodically for hyperprolactinaemia | Dose adjusted according to response |
To limit nausea, take the tablets with food, consider night dosing for early doses, and report persistent nausea to the prescriber.
Interactions and clinical precautions
Notable drug interactions
Dopamine antagonists such as antipsychotics and metoclopramide oppose bromocriptine’s effect and can reduce efficacy.
Concomitant antihypertensives increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension, and combinations with other ergot derivatives require caution.
Potent CYP inhibitors or inducers can affect bromocriptine levels, so close monitoring is needed.
Risk mitigation
- Tell the prescriber about all other medicines, including psychotropics, antiemetics and antihypertensives.
- Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce the risk of dizziness.
- Switching to cabergoline may be considered if interactions or intolerance prevent effective treatment.
Alternatives and when to switch
Main alternatives
Cabergoline is the most commonly used alternative for hyperprolactinaemia due to a longer half-life and generally fewer side effects.
Quinagolide is another option where available.
When to consider switching
Switching may be considered if side effects are intolerable, adherence is poor because of dosing frequency, or biochemical control is inadequate on Parlodel.
Switching for Parkinson’s or acromegaly should be conducted with specialist input due to complex titration needs.
| Drug | Efficacy | Dosing frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bromocriptine (Parlodel) | Effective, dose-dependent | Multiple daily doses during titration |
| Cabergoline (Dostinex) | Often preferred for hyperprolactinaemia | Once or twice weekly |
Key counselling points
The indication and the expected timeline of benefit should be clear, especially for hyperprolactinaemia where hormone normalisation can take weeks.
Common side effects such as nausea and dizziness can be reduced by taking the tablets with food, considering night dosing initially, and rising slowly from sitting or lying positions. Laboratory follow-up such as prolactin checks should be kept.
Specialist use cases and off‑label areas
Endocrinologists and neurologists may use bromocriptine for acromegaly and certain Parkinson’s regimens where dopamine agonists are indicated. Specialist doses for acromegaly can be much higher under close monitoring.
Research has explored bromocriptine in metabolic and neuropsychiatric conditions. These uses are investigational and should only be considered within research protocols or with specialist oversight.
Reporting side effects
Suspected adverse reactions can be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme in the UK.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Norwich | England | 9–21 days |
| Plymouth | England | 9–21 days |
