DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Bromocriptine oral tablets (diabetes)

April 18, 2018

Bromocriptine oral tablets (diabetes)

What is this medicine?

BROMOCRIPTINE (broe moe KRIP teen) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take this medicine with food. Take within 2 hours of waking in the morning. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • chest pain

  • confusion

  • falling asleep during normal activities like driving

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

  • signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious; confusion; dizziness; increased hunger; unusually weak or tired; sweating; shakiness; cold; irritable; headache; blurred vision; fast heartbeat; loss of consciousness

  • signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

  • uncontrollable and excessive urges (examples: gambling, binge eating, shopping, having sex)

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation or diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • drowsiness

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • nausea

  • stuffy or runny nose

  • tiredness

  • upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

  • certain antibiotics for infection like chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, sulfa antibiotics

  • certain medicines for psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

  • certain medicines for migraine like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan and sumatriptan

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease and related conditions like cabergoline, pramipexole, ropinirole

  • grapefruit juice

  • isometheptene

  • metoclopramide

  • phenylephrine

  • pseudoephedrine

  • probenecid

  • rifampin

  • St. John's wort

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss your morning dose, wait until the next morning to take your medicine. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at or below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • liver disease

  • low blood pressure

  • mental illness

  • migraines with fainting

  • type 1 diabetes

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to bromocriptine, ergot alkaloids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.

Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Updated:  

April 18, 2018