Parlodel
In brief
- In our pharmacy you can buy Parlodel without a prescription, with delivery across the United Kingdom in 9–21 days and discreet packaging; please note that in the UK Parlodel is prescription-only and should normally be used under medical supervision.
- Parlodel (bromocriptine) is used for hyperprolactinaemia, Parkinson’s disease and acromegaly; it is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist that suppresses prolactin and growth hormone secretion and improves central dopaminergic tone, with secondary metabolic effects.
- 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 typically started 1.25–2.5 mg daily with titration (may go to 20–30 mg/day in specialist care); Parkinson’s often 1.25 mg once or twice daily titrated to 10–40 mg/day.
- Form of administration: oral tablets (commonly 2.5 mg).
- Onset time: suppression of prolactin and some hormonal effects can begin within a few hours after dosing, though symptomatic improvement (for prolactin-related symptoms, acromegaly or Parkinson’s) may take days to weeks.
- Duration of action: bromocriptine is relatively short-acting (effects typically last on the order of 12–24 hours depending on dose), so dosing is once daily or divided doses as prescribed.
- Alcohol warning: avoid or limit alcohol while taking Parlodel, as alcohol can worsen dizziness, sedation and orthostatic hypotension associated with the drug.
- The most common side effect is nausea (dose-dependent); other frequent effects include headache, dizziness/orthostatic hypotension, fatigue and constipation.
- 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 — 2.5 mg tablets in blister packs
- ATC code: G02CB01 (also N04BC01) — prolactin inhibitor (ergot derivative)
- Forms & Dosages: tablets 2.5 mg
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Novartis (originator) and generic manufacturers
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine, licensed for hyperprolactinaemia, Parkinson's disease and acromegaly.
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription only (Rx).
Legal status and availability in the UK
In our online pharmacy, Parlodel is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Clinical effectiveness in the UK
What can NHS patients expect when prescribed Parlodel or generic bromocriptine?
When titrated carefully in clinic, bromocriptine reduces prolactin and often restores menses and fertility for women with hyperprolactinaemia.
In Parkinson's disease it can provide adjunctive symptomatic benefit at lower doses for selected patients, though many neurologists favour non‑ergot alternatives or levodopa regimens for most cases.
Biochemical control is achievable, but early discontinuation due to nausea or orthostatic hypotension is more frequent than with cabergoline.
Practical, measurable endpoints used in UK practice include prolactin normalisation, menstrual resumption, pregnancy rates following treatment, and motor score change for Parkinson's adjunctive therapy.
- Prolactin normalisation — important biochemical endpoint.
- Menstrual resumption / return of ovulation — common clinical goal.
- Fertility outcomes — pregnancy rates tracked in specialist clinics.
- Motor score change — used where bromocriptine is adjunct in Parkinson's disease.
| Feature | Bromocriptine (Parlodel) | Cabergoline |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerability | Higher rates of nausea and orthostatic symptoms | Generally better tolerated, less frequent dosing |
| Dosing convenience | Often daily or twice daily; titration needed | Once or twice weekly dosing common |
Parlodel tablets are most commonly 2.5 mg and the typical starting dose for hyperprolactinaemia is 1.25–2.5 mg once or twice daily, with specialist review for higher doses.
Bromocriptine is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, and pharmacist counselling plays an integral role.
Indications and expanded uses
Which conditions is bromocriptine licensed for, and where is it used off‑label?
In the UK, bromocriptine is licensed for hyperprolactinaemia, as adjunctive therapy for acromegaly and as an adjunct in Parkinson's disease.
- Hyperprolactinaemia — start 1.25–2.5 mg qd/bid; monitor prolactin and clinical response.
- Acromegaly (adjunct) — start 1.25–2.5 mg qd/bid; monitor IGF‑1 and symptoms; specialist dosing may be higher.
- Parkinson's disease (adjunct) — begin 1.25 mg qd/bid and titrate under neurology review.
All non‑standard or off‑label uses should involve specialist review and, where possible, enrolment in clinical trials or formal audit.
Remember that bromocriptine remains prescription only and specialist input is recommended for higher doses or less common indications.
Composition and brand landscape in the UK
Which brands and manufacturers supply bromocriptine in the UK?
INN is bromocriptine and the active substance is commonly presented as bromocriptine mesilate in product literature.
Tablets of 2.5 mg strength are the standard form.
Storage guidance across brands is consistent: store at room temperature, protect from excess moisture and light, and keep in the original packaging until use.
Contraindications and special precautions
Who should not take Parlodel, and what checks should staff perform before supply?
Absolute contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension, a history of or current severe psychotic disorder and known hypersensitivity to bromocriptine or other ergot alkaloids.
Postpartum use is contraindicated where pre‑eclampsia, eclampsia or significant cardiovascular risk is present.
Relative cautions include cardiovascular disease, hepatic or renal impairment, peptic ulcer history and psychiatric illness; elderly people require slower titration due to higher risk of confusion and hallucinations.
Patients should be advised to avoid driving until individual tolerance is established because dizziness and orthostatic hypotension are common during dose escalation.
Alcohol should be avoided while titrating because it can worsen hypotension and central nervous system effects.
- Initial screening checklist: check blood pressure (lying and standing), ECG history, psychiatric history, pregnancy/breastfeeding status and current concomitant medicines.
- Pregnancy/postpartum: discuss risks with the specialist; routine suppression of lactation is uncommon and has important contraindications.
Dosage guidelines and titration
How is bromocriptine started and adjusted in NHS practice?
All regimens follow the principle of starting low and titrating slowly under specialist or prescriber guidance.
| Condition | Start | Maintenance | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperprolactinaemia | 1.25–2.5 mg once or twice daily | Up to 7.5 mg/day in divided doses | 15 mg/day |
| Acromegaly (adjunct) | 1.25–2.5 mg qd/bid | Gradual titration, often specialist‑managed | 20–30 mg/day in specialist centres |
| Parkinson's disease (adjunct) | 1.25 mg qd/bid, then titrate | Usual ranges vary; specialist regimes may reach 10–40 mg/day | Up to 100 mg/day rarely in specialist use |
For elderly patients and those with hepatic or renal impairment, start at the lower end of the range and titrate more slowly with increased monitoring.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed dose and do not double up.
Overdose can cause vomiting, hypotension, confusion, hallucinations and arrhythmia and requires urgent medical assessment.
Interactions overview
Which drugs, foods and substances interact with bromocriptine and how should pharmacists advise patients?
Bromocriptine’s dopaminergic action leads to important pharmacodynamic interactions with dopamine antagonists and additive hypotension with antihypertensives.
Co‑administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers should be considered cautiously because they may alter bromocriptine exposure, although specific dose adjustments are not universally defined in product literature.
Antipsychotics and antiemetics that block dopamine may reduce bromocriptine efficacy and may precipitate withdrawal‑like issues if such combinations are altered.
Alcohol can worsen hypotension and drowsiness during titration, and excessive caffeine may aggravate tremor or insomnia in Parkinson's patients.
- Top interactions to flag: antipsychotics (dopamine antagonists), antihypertensives (additive hypotension), strong CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers, dopamine‑blocking antiemetics, alcohol, certain antidepressants (monitor), ergot derivatives (avoid duplication), and medications that increase orthostatic risk.
Reported adverse reactions include orthostatic syncope, nausea and rare psychiatric events; pharmacists should encourage reporting of suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Distinguish interaction mechanisms for patients: pharmacodynamic interactions change the drug effect; pharmacokinetic interactions alter the drug concentration in the body.
Comparable medicines and prescribing preferences
Which drugs are used instead of bromocriptine, and why?
Cabergoline and quinagolide are the principal comparators for hyperprolactinaemia in UK endocrinology practice.
Cabergoline is often preferred because its longer half‑life and better tolerability reduce dosing frequency and clinic visits, improving adherence.
Quinagolide is an alternative where cabergoline is unsuitable or unavailable.
- Cabergoline — pros: better tolerability, less frequent dosing; cons: availability on some formularies.
- Quinagolide — pros: oral daily dosing, alternative option; cons: not as widely used and availability varies.
- Bromocriptine — pros: effective, familiar to many clinicians; cons: more GI and orthostatic effects, frequent dosing.
In Parkinson's care, non‑ergot agonists and levodopa remain central, with bromocriptine reserved for selected adjunctive roles under neurology supervision.
FAQ
Will bromocriptine affect fertility?
For hyperprolactinaemia it commonly restores ovulation and menses and can improve fertility outcomes; coordination with your GP and endocrinologist for prolactin monitoring is essential.
Can I drive while taking Parlodel?
Avoid driving during initial titration or while experiencing dizziness or orthostatic symptoms, and inform the DVLA if any persistent impairment affects driving safety.
Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Bromocriptine is usually withheld when pregnancy is desired or confirmed for many prolactinomas unless a specialist advises otherwise; postpartum use for lactation suppression has important contraindications and must be discussed with the prescriber.
How should I manage nausea associated with bromocriptine?
Take the tablet with food, start at a very low dose and titrate slowly and ask your pharmacist about antiemetic strategies if nausea persists.
Urgent red flags: seek immediate care for severe hypotension, fainting, sudden confusion or psychosis and persistent vomiting that prevents oral intake.
Guidelines for proper use and UK pharmacist counselling
What should pharmacists cover when supplying Parlodel or generics in the UK?
Counselling should include the indication, dosing schedule and the importance of starting low and titrating slowly under clinical supervision.
Pharmacists must explain common side effects such as nausea, dizziness and orthostatic hypotension, and provide practical management tips like taking tablets with food.
Discuss what to do if a dose is missed and emphasise not doubling doses, and outline interactions with antihypertensives, antipsychotics and alcohol.
Advise when to seek urgent medical care for syncope, severe hallucinations or persistent vomiting and encourage Yellow Card reporting of suspected adverse reactions.
- Counselling checklist: indication, start dose, expected side effects, driving advice, alcohol caution, missed‑dose instruction and when to contact the prescriber.
For repeat prescriptions, document counselling in the patient medication record and liaise with the prescriber if side‑effect burden is affecting adherence or a switch to cabergoline may be appropriate.
Provide written medicine information and signpost patients to NHS.uk and specialist endocrinology or neurology services for complex queries.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | Greater Manchester | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | Merseyside | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle | Tyne and Wear | 9–21 days |
| Southampton | South East England | 9–21 days |
| Plymouth | South West England | 9–21 days |
| Norwich | East of England | 9–21 days |
