bromocriptine mesilate at a glance
Medicine class
Dopamine agonist and prolactin inhibitor
Main roles
Treats high prolactin and prolactinomas; also licensed for selected endocrine, neurological and postpartum uses.
Taking the tablets
Take with a meal to reduce stomach-related side effects.
Dizziness and sleepiness
Stand up carefully and do not drive if dizzy, faint, very sleepy or having sudden sleep episodes.
What is bromocriptine mesilate used for?
Licensed uses include:
Hyperprolactinaemia associated with reduced sex-hormone function or inappropriate milk production.
Menstrual disorders and infertility linked to prolactin disturbance, including amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia and selected cases associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Prolactinomas, particularly to reduce tumour size and the risk of optic-nerve compression.
Acromegaly as specialist adjunctive treatment alongside surgery or radiotherapy.
Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, either alone or with levodopa.
Prevention or suppression of milk production after childbirth only when medically indicated—not for routine suppression or ordinary breast pain and engorgement.
How does bromocriptine mesilate work?
Bromocriptine stimulates dopamine receptors, reducing prolactin release from the pituitary. This can restore reproductive hormone function, reduce inappropriate milk production and shrink prolactin-secreting tumours. It also lowers raised growth hormone in acromegaly and provides dopaminergic activity in Parkinson’s disease.
bromocriptine mesilate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2.5 mg
How to take bromocriptine mesilate
Follow the pharmacy label and prescriber’s instructions.
Take each tablet with a meal.
Swallow with water; the scored tablet can be divided into equal halves when instructed.
Rise slowly if dizziness occurs.
Avoid alcohol if it worsens nausea, dizziness or other adverse effects.
Do not stop suddenly without discussing it with the prescriber, because withdrawal symptoms can occur.
bromocriptine mesilate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Blocked or stuffy nose
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe or persistent headache, visual disturbance, chest pain, seizure or stroke-like symptoms—particularly after childbirth
- Fainting or marked dizziness from low blood pressure
- Vomiting blood, black stools or severe abdominal pain
- Persistent cough, breathlessness, chest or back pain, or swollen legs, which may indicate fibrotic disease
- Hallucinations, psychosis or major behavioural change
- Sudden sleep episodes
- New compulsive gambling, spending, eating or sexual behaviour
bromocriptine mesilate in pregnancy
Bromocriptine can restore fertility, so pregnancy may occur unexpectedly. Available human experience has not shown an increased rate of major adverse outcomes, but treatment is usually reviewed once pregnancy is confirmed. A specialist may consider continued or restarted treatment when a large prolactinoma or tumour expansion creates maternal risk. Do not change treatment without advice.
bromocriptine mesilate while breastfeeding
Bromocriptine reduces milk production and should not be used by someone intending to breastfeed. After childbirth, it should suppress lactation only for a clear medical reason—not routinely or solely for uncomplicated breast pain or engorgement.
bromocriptine mesilate interactions
Important interactions include:
Alcohol
May worsen nausea, dizziness or low blood pressure and reduce tolerance to bromocriptine.
Medicines that alter blood pressure
May increase the risk of clinically important high or low blood pressure, requiring caution and monitoring.
Ergot alkaloids and vasoconstrictors, including ergometrine
Concurrent postpartum use is not recommended because of cardiovascular and blood-pressure concerns.
Common questions about bromocriptine mesilate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is bromocriptine prescribed for high prolactin?
It stimulates dopamine receptors in the pituitary, reducing prolactin release and helping improve symptoms caused by excess prolactin.
Can bromocriptine restore fertility?
Yes. Lowering prolactin can restore ovulation, menstrual cycles or reproductive hormone function. Discuss contraception if pregnancy is not intended.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.