What is the most important information I should know about Parlodel?

• Parlodel may cause low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution until you know how this medicine affects you. Also use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities.
• If you are taking Parlodel to treat high prolactin levels caused by a tumor, notify your doctor if you experience persistent, watery, nasal discharge.

What is Parlodel?

• Parlodel lowers prolactin (PRO lak tin) levels. Prolactin is a hormone important for the production of breast milk and for normal fertility in women. Parlodel also has effects similar to a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) that occurs naturally in the body.
• Parlodel is used to treat disorders such as amenorrhea (lack of a menstrual period), persistent breast milk production, infertility, and other conditions associated with high prolactin levels caused by prolactin-secreting tumors in women and in men.
• In addition, Parlodel reduces growth hormone levels. This is useful in treating acromegaly, a condition that involves excessive growth.
• Parlodel is also used to treat Parkinson's disease, which is associated with low levels of dopamine in the brain. Parlodel has effects similar to those of dopamine, which makes it effective in the treatment of the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control associated with Parkinson's disease.
• Parlodel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Parlodel?

• Before taking Parlodel, tell your doctor if you
  • have heart disease,
  • have had a heart attack in the past, or
  • have any other serious illness.
• You may not be able to take Parlodel, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Parlodel is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Parlodel without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Parlodel prevents the production of breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Parlodel?

• Take Parlodel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Parlodel with food.
• Continue to take this medication unless your doctor recommends that you stop. It may be some time before you see the benefits of Parlodel.
• It is important to take Parlodel regularly to get the most benefit.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Parlodel to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store Parlodel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Parlodel overdose include nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, drowsiness, yawning, confusion, and hallucinations.

What should I avoid while taking Parlodel?

• Parlodel may cause low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution until you know how this medicine affects you. Also use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities.

What are the possible side effects of Parlodel?

• Stop taking Parlodel and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• If you are taking Parlodel to treat high prolactin levels caused by a tumor, notify your doctor if you experience persistent, watery, nasal discharge.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Parlodel and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • mild nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps;
  • diarrhea or constipation;
  • headache, dizziness (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position), or drowsiness;
  • dry mouth; or
  • nasal stuffiness.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that is unusual or bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Parlodel?

• Before taking Parlodel, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others);
  • phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant used in many over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, and diet medications);
  • albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Volmax); or
  • terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl).
• The medicines listed above may increase the effects of Parlodel and lead to dangerous side effects.
• The effects of Parlodel may be decreased by phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), and fluphenazine (Prolixin). Tell your doctor if you are taking a phenothiazine. A larger dose of Parlodel may be necessary.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Parlodel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.