Bromocriptine
Also known as: Parlodel, Cycloset
- **Give with food**: Administering this medication with a meal can significantly reduce the chance of stomach upset and vomiting. - **Watch for nausea**: Vomiting and loss of appetite are very common side effects, especially in dogs. Contact your veterinarian if these become severe. - **Lethargy**: Your pet may seem unusually tired, subdued, or sedated. - **Do not use in nursing pets**: This drug stops milk production. > **Note**: If your pet collapses, seems extremely weak, or has severe vomiting, seek veterinary care immediately, as this could indicate dangerously low blood pressure.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive treatment of acromegaly
- Treatment of pituitary adenoma
- Treatment of pituitary adenoma
- Treatment of pseudocyesis (pseudopregnancy)
- Treatment of pseudocyesis (pseudopregnancy)
- Treatment of pseudocyesis (pseudopregnancy)
- Pregnancy termination after mismating
- Abortifacient 25 days after LH surge
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting (highly prevalent in dogs)
- Sedation
- Fatigue
- Hypotension
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Trembling
- Diarrhea
- Tachycardia
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypertension
- Pregnancy (in humans, documented teratogenicity not established but contraindicated)
- Nursing/lactating animals (interferes with lactation)
- Bromocriptine is generally contraindicated in patients with hypertension. It should be used with caution in patients with hepatic disease as metabolism of the drug may be reduced. Do not use in nursing animals as it interferes with lactation.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: May cause a disulfiram-type reaction
- Butyrophenones (e.g., haloperidol, azaperone): May increase prolactin concentrations; bromocriptine doses may need to be increased
- Amitriptyline: May increase prolactin concentrations; bromocriptine doses may need to be increased
- Phenothiazines: May increase prolactin concentrations; bromocriptine doses may need to be increased
- Reserpine: May increase prolactin concentrations; bromocriptine doses may need to be increased
- Cyclosporine: May elevate cyclosporine levels
- Erythromycin: May increase bromocriptine levels
- Clarithromycin: May increase bromocriptine levels
- Estrogens or Progestins: May interfere with the effects of bromocriptine
- Ergot Alkaloids: Not recommended; concurrent use has caused severe hypertension and myocardial infarction in humans
- Hypotensive Medications: May cause additive hypotension
Frequently asked questions
What is Bromocriptine used for in pets?
- **Give with food**: Administering this medication with a meal can significantly reduce the chance of stomach upset and vomiting. - **Watch for nausea**: Vomiting and loss of appetite are very common side effects, especially in dogs. Contact your veterinarian if these become severe. - **Lethargy**: Your pet may seem unusually tired, subdued, or sedated. - **Do not use in nursing pets**: This drug stops milk production. > **Note**: If your pet collapses, seems extremely weak, or has severe vomiting, seek veterinary care immediately, as this could indicate dangerously low blood pressure.
Is Bromocriptine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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