Apo-Bromocriptine general information

What is Apo-Bromocriptine used for?

Apo-Bromocriptine is a medication that has several uses due to a common mechanism of action that produces different responses in a variety of body systems. These responses can be categorised as endocrinological (hormone function) and neurological (nerve function). Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg are primarily used to treat conditions resulting from high levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia), which is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (a small gland in the base of the brain). Hyperprolactinaemia suppresses normal functioning of the female and male reproductive process and can cause menstrual disorders and infertility; it can also cause over-production of breast milk in men and women (galactorrhoea). Apo-Bromocriptine is used treat menstrual disorders, infertility, galactorrhoea and to suppress milk production for medical conditions such as after a still birth; also to treat prolactinoma, a benign tumour of the pituitary gland that over-produces prolactin. Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg have other actions that are used to treat a condition called acromegaly, caused by over-production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland; also to treat Parkinsons Disease either alone as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-parkinsonion drugs.

How does Apo-Bromocriptine work?

Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg contain bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist that binds to dopamine receptors in various parts of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical that allows communication between nerve cells) produced by certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and it plays an important role in controlling hormone secretion; also muscle function and movement. The dopaminergic (stimulates dopamine receptors) action of bromocriptine in Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg activates dopamine-stimulated pathways in the brain, and one result of this is the inhibition of prolaction synthesis and secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. Inhibition of prolactin secretion by bromocriptine releases the suppression caused by high prolactin levels on normal functioning of the reproductive glands, which is a cause of infertility and menstrual problems and is thereby effective in treating these conditions. This action also reduces breast milk production, which is dependent on prolactin to stimulate lactation. There are 2 tumours of the pituitary gland that contain dopamine receptors and over produce a pituitary hormone; Prolactinoma that over-produces prolactin, and pituitary adenoma that over-produces growth hormone. Bromocriptine in Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg binds to dopamine receptors in the tumour cells, which causes the tumour to shrink and returns the levels of prolactin and growth hormone (respectively) to normal. The abnormal movements associated with Parkinson's disease are caused by low levels of dopamine due to slow and progressive destruction of the neurons that produce dopamine in a certain area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Stimulation of the dopamine receptors in the brain mimics the effect of dopamine and this is thought to be the process by which Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg act to improve symptoms associated with Parkinsonism, including tremor, bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and loss of balance.

What does Apo-Bromocriptine contain?

Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg contain the active ingredient bromocriptine mesylate, a dopamine agonist that is used to treat conditions caused by hyperprolactinaemia (high levels of prolactin), acromegaly (over production of growth hormone) and Parkinson's disease.

Treating hyperprolactinaemia (high levels of prolactin) with Apo-Bromocriptine

Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg contain bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist that binds to dopamine receptors in various parts of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical that allows communication between nerve cells) produced by certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and it plays an important role in controlling hormone secretion. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (a small gland in the base of the brain) and over-production of prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia) can result in several conditions, including suppression of the normal functioning of female and male reproductive processes, which can cause menstrual disorders and infertility; it can also cause over-production of breast milk in men and women (galactorrhoea). The dopaminergic (stimulates dopamine receptors) action of bromocriptine in Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg activates dopamine-stimulated pathways in the brain, and one result of this is the inhibition of prolaction synthesis and secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. Inhibition of prolactin secretion by bromocriptine releases the suppression caused by high prolactin levels on normal functioning of the reproductive glands and also reduces breast milk production, which is dependent on prolactin to stimulate lactation. Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg are used to treat menstrual disorders, infertility, galactorrhoea and to suppress milk production for medical conditions such as after a still birth; also to treat prolactinoma (a benign tumour of the pituitary gland that over-produces prolactin) causing the tumour to shrink and returning the levels of prolactin to normal.

Treating infertility with Apo-Bromocriptine

Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg contain bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist that binds to dopamine receptors in various parts of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical that allows communication between nerve cells) produced by certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and it plays an important role in controlling production by the pituitary gland (a small gland in the base of the brain) of the hormone prolaction. High levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia) can suppress the normal menstrual cycle by inhibiting the production of other hormones needed for ovulation and preparation for pregnancy and can cause infertility; these hormones are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The dopaminergic (stimulates dopamine receptors) action of bromocriptine in Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg activates dopamine-stimulated pathways in the brain, and one result of this is the inhibition of prolactin synthesis and secretion from the pituitary gland. Releasing the suppression caused by prolactin of hormones that control the menstrual cycle helps restore the hormonal balance needed for pregnancy and this is how Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg are used to treat infertility.

Apo-Bromocriptine for Parkinson's disease

Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg contain bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist that binds to dopamine receptors in various parts of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical that allows communication between nerve cells) produced by certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and it plays an important role in controlling normal muscle function and movement. The abnormal movements associated with Parkinson's disease are caused by low levels of dopamine due to slow and progressive destruction of the neurons that produce dopamine in a certain area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Stimulation of dopamine receptors in the brain mimics the effect of dopamine, which activates dopamine-stimulated pathways in the brain. This action is thought to be the process by which Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg improve symptoms associated with Parkinsonism, including including tremor, bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and loss of balance.

What are the side effects of Apo-Bromocriptine?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg include: headache, dizziness, postural hypotension (light-headedness when getting up), fainting, nasal congestion, dry mouth, drowsiness, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, leg cramps, skin rash, hair loss. When used at higher doses, particularly for Parkinson’s disease other side effects can occur, including, anxiety, mania, hallucinations, confusion.

When should Apo-Bromocriptine not be used?

You should not use Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg if you:

• are allergic to bromocriptine or any ingredients in Apo-Bromocriptine
• have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• have had high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, or just after delivery
• have heart disease, stroke or other severe cardiovascular conditions, or heart valve disease
• have symptoms and/or history of serious psychiatric disorders
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• are taking medicines that interact with Apo-Bromocriptine, including: macrolides antibiotics like erythromycin, the antifungal ketonazole, other ergot alkaloids like ergotamine for migraine, HIV medication like ritonavir, antihypertensive drugs for lowering blood pressure, antihypertensive drugs for lowering blood pressure, octreotide for acromegaly, phenothiazine butyrophenone and thioxanthene antipsychotics, the antiemetic metoclopramide, reserpine and methyldopa for high blood pressure, the antipsychotic pimozide, oestrogens, thyrotropin releasing hormone

What medications interact with Apo-Bromocriptine?

Several medications interact with Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Apo-Bromocriptine or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Apo-Bromocriptine: other ergot alkaloids like ergotamine for migraine, antihypertensive drugs for lowering blood pressure
• Drugs that affect Apo-Bromocriptine: macrolides antibiotics like erythromycin, HIV medication like ritonavir, the antifungal ketonazole, octreotide for acromegaly
• Drugs that increase prolactin and therefore counteract the effect of Apo-Bromocriptine: phenothiazine, butyrophenone and thioxanthene antipsychotics, antipsychotics, the antiemetic metoclopramide, reserpine and methyldopa for high blood pressure, the antipsychotic pimozide, oestrogens, thyrotropin releasing hormone

How should Apo-Bromocriptine be taken?

You should take your Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5 mg with a glass of water and with food, once, twice or 3 times daily, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor will usually increase your dose gradually, starting with 1 tablet at bedtime, until you have reached the appropriate dose for your condition and to keep any side-effects to a minimum. You should continue to take your Apo-Bromocriptine 2.5 mg tablets for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for up to 2 weeks, or until the desired effect has been obtained.

How long should you take Apo-Bromocriptine?

You should continue to take your Apo-Bromocriptine tablets 2.5 mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for up to 2 weeks, or until the desired effect has been obtained.

Missed dose of Apo-Bromocriptine

If you miss a dose of Apo-Bromocriptine 2.5 mg tablets take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Apo-Bromocriptine be stored?

You should store your Apo-Bromocriptine below 25°C in a cool dry place; protect from heat, light and moisture.