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Bromocriptine

Bromocriptine is a dopamine-activating (ergot-derived) medicine used for hormone-related conditions such as high prolactin levels and acromegaly, for Parkinson's disease, and, in the Cycloset brand, for type 2 diabetes.

Brand names CyclosetParlodel
Drug class Ergot Derivative
Rx Forms 2
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 10 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 5, 2026 🚨Recall on record
Bromocriptine at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Bromocriptine is an older, ergot-derived medicine that mimics dopamine to lower high prolactin and excess growth hormone (acromegaly) and to stimulate dopamine-starved movement areas in Parkinson's disease, on the market since about 1978 and available generically; a separate brand, Cycloset, is used for type 2 diabetes. Nausea is what most people notice, plus dizziness and headache, early on, which is why doses start low and are taken with food. The serious risk is scarring (fibrosis) of heart valves and lungs, so expect heart ultrasounds (echocardiograms) before and during treatment, and report chest pain, breathlessness, a lasting cough or swelling. Sudden sleep episodes or a severe headache also need prompt attention.

Clinical pearls

  • Take each dose with food, because vomiting is far more common on an empty stomach.
  • Cycloset is taken once each morning within two hours of waking; a missed dose is skipped, never doubled.
  • Avoid ergot migraine drugs with it, and know that metoclopramide or antipsychotics can cancel out its effect.
  • It should never be used to dry up breast milk after delivery, a use linked to stroke, seizures and heart attack.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asTablet, Capsule
Earliest FDA record1978
Companies listing it with the FDA9
FDA label last updatedJan 12, 2026
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Bromocriptine, written from its FDA label.

What Bromocriptine is used for

▾

Bromocriptine mesylate is used for several hormone and nerve-related conditions, and one brand is used for diabetes.

  • High-prolactin dysfunction: missed periods with or without milk discharge, infertility or low sex hormone levels (hypogonadism).
  • Prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors (adenomas), including use before surgery to shrink the tumor.
  • Acromegaly, alone or alongside pituitary radiation or surgery.
  • Idiopathic or postencephalitic Parkinson's disease, often added to levodopa.
  • Cycloset tablets only: type 2 diabetes in adults, with diet and exercise.

How Bromocriptine works

▾

Bromocriptine activates dopamine receptors. In the pituitary gland, this lowers prolactin. In acromegaly, it also lowers high growth hormone.

In Parkinson's disease, it directly stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain's movement-control area. This differs from levodopa, which must first be converted to dopamine.

Bromocriptine dosage

▾

Bromocriptine mesylate capsules and tablets are taken by mouth with food. Doses usually start low and are increased gradually. Follow your prescriber and the product label.

  • High prolactin and adenomas: generally once daily.
  • Acromegaly: usually started at bedtime with food.
  • Parkinson's disease: generally twice daily.
  • Cycloset: once daily within two hours of waking, with food. If you miss a dose, take your usual dose the next morning and do not double up.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Bromocriptine prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Hyperprolactinemia-associated dysfunction in adults
    • 1.25 mg (one-half of a tablet) to 2.5 mg once daily
    • Increase up to 2.5 mg once daily every two to seven days as tolerated until an optimal therapeutic response is achieved
    • Maximum: 2.5 mg to 15 mg once daily (recommended dosage range)
    • Take with food
  • Prolactin-secreting adenomas in adult and pediatric patients 11 years of age and older
    • 1.25 mg (one-half of a tablet) to 2.5 mg once daily
    • Increase as tolerated until an optimal therapeutic response is achieved
    • Maximum: 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily (recommended dosage range)
    • Take with food
  • Acromegaly in adults
    • 1.25 mg (one-half of a tablet) to 2.5 mg once at bedtime for 3 days
    • Then increase by 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once daily every 3 days to 7 days as tolerated
    • Usual optimal range 20 mg to 30 mg once at bedtime in most patients
    • Maximum: 100 mg/daily
    • Take with food
  • Idiopathic Parkinson's disease or postencephalitic parkinsonism in adults
    • 1.25 mg (one-half of a tablet) twice daily
    • Increase by 1.25 mg twice daily every 14 days to 28 days based on therapeutic response and tolerability
    • Maximum: 100 mg/day
    • Take with food
  • Hyperprolactinemia-associated dysfunction in adults with concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
    • Starting dosage 1.25 mg once daily (one-half of a tablet)
    • Maximum: 3.75 mg once daily
    • Dosage modification for moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • Prolactin-secreting adenomas in adult and pediatric patients 11 years of age and older with concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
    • Starting dosage 1.25 mg once daily
    • Maximum: 2.5 mg once daily
    • Dosage modification for moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • Acromegaly in adults with concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
    • Starting dosage 1.25 mg once daily
    • Maximum: 25 mg once daily
    • Dosage modification for moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • Idiopathic or postencephalitic parkinsonism in adults with concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
    • Starting dosage 1.25 mg once daily
    • Maximum: 12.5 mg twice daily
    • Dosage modification for moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Before initiating bromocriptine mesylate capsules, evaluate for valvular heart disease, including with an echocardiogram. If valvular disease is detected, do not administer bromocriptine mesylate ( 2.1 ). Take bromocriptine mesylate capsules orally with food ( 2.2 ) Recommended dosage for hyperprolactinemia-associated dysfunction is 1.25 mg (one-half of a tablet) to 2.5 mg once daily. Increase the dosage up to 2.5 mg once daily every two to seven days within a recommended dosage of 2.5 mg to 15 mg once daily ( 2.3 ) Recommended dosage for prolactin-secreting adenomas is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once daily. Increase the dosage within a recommended dosage of 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily ( 2.4 ) Recommended dosage for acromegaly is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once at bedtime for 3 days. Increase the dosage 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg once daily every 3 days to 7 days up to the maximum recommended dosage is 100 mg/daily ( 2.5 ). Recommended starting dosage for idiopathic or postencephalitic Parkinson's disease is 1.25 mg twice daily. Increase the dosage by 1.25 mg twice daily every 14 days to 28 days up to the maximum recommended daily dosage of 100 mg/day ( 2.6 ) For dosage modifications for concomitant use of bromocriptine mesylate with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, see Full Prescribing Information ( 2.7 , 7 ) 2.1 Recommended Evaluation Before Initiating bromocriptine mesylate Before initiating bromocriptine mesylate evaluate for valvular heart disease, including with an echocardiogram. If valvular disease is detected, do not administer bromocriptine mesylate [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 2.2 Important Administration Instructions Take bromocriptine mesylate orally with food because a high percentage of patients vomited after they received bromocriptine mesylate under fasting conditions. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Hyperprolactinemia-Associated Dysfunction The recommended starting dosage of bromocriptine mesylate in adults with hyperprolactinemia-associated dysfunction is 1.25 mg (one-half of a tablet) to 2.5 mg once daily. Increase the bromocriptine mesylate dosage up to 2.5 mg once daily every two to seven days as tolerated until an optimal therapeutic response is achieved within a recommended dosage of 2.5 mg to 15 mg once daily.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Bromocriptine side effects

▾

Side effects are common but are usually mild to moderate.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Nasal congestion
  • Drowsiness
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Constipation or diarrhea

When to get medical help

  • Sudden sleep episodes or severe daytime sleepiness: avoid driving and tell your doctor right away.
  • Severe or worsening headache, especially with vision changes, high blood pressure or seizures: get medical help promptly.
  • Chest pain, new shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or signs of heart failure: these can signal heart valve or fibrosis problems.
  • Persistent cough, back or flank pain, or leg swelling: these can signal fibrosis in the lungs or abdomen.
  • Dizziness or fainting when you stand up: low blood pressure can happen, especially early in treatment.
  • New gambling, spending, eating or sexual urges that are hard to control: tell your doctor.
  • Hallucinations, confusion or worsening psychosis.
  • Worsening vision, such as loss of visual field, if you have a pituitary tumor.

Call your doctor about sudden sleep episodes, fainting, severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, breathing problems, hallucinations or compulsive urges.

Bromocriptine warnings and precautions

▾
  • Heart valve and heart-lining fibrosis: your doctor checks your heart before and during treatment.
  • Fibrosis in the lungs, chest lining or abdomen has been reported, especially with long-term, high-dose use.
  • Low blood pressure, especially early in treatment or when standing.
  • Sudden sleep onset, which can cause accidents while driving.
  • Impulse-control problems such as gambling, spending, binge eating or sexual urges.
  • Not recommended for stopping milk production after birth. This has been linked to high blood pressure, seizures, stroke, heart attack and death.
  • Vision changes may occur with pituitary tumors, so visual fields should be monitored.
  • It can worsen severe psychotic disorders.

Bromocriptine interactions

▾

Bromocriptine can clash with several drug types.

  • Other ergot drugs: more ergot side effects and less migraine benefit.
  • Antipsychotics and metoclopramide: they block dopamine and can cancel out bromocriptine.
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors such as azole antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors and erythromycin: they can raise bromocriptine levels.
  • Sympathomimetics and sumatriptan-type drugs: caution advised with Cycloset.
  • Drugs that change blood pressure: use with caution.
  • Highly protein-bound drugs such as salicylates: Cycloset may change their effects.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Bromocriptine prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, probenecid): May increase the unbound fraction of these drugs, which may alter their effectiveness and risk for side effects.
  • Dopamine receptor antagonists (neuroleptics such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes; metoclopramide): May diminish the effectiveness of bromocriptine, and bromocriptine may diminish the effectiveness of these therapies. Concurrent use has not been studied in clinical trials and is not recommended.
  • Ergot-related drugs: May increase ergot-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, and may reduce the effectiveness of ergot therapies used to treat migraine. Concurrent use of ergot agents within 6 hours of dosing is not recommended.
  • Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin): May increase circulating levels of bromocriptine, which is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4. Use caution; dose should not exceed 1.6 mg once daily during concomitant use.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., azole antimycotics, HIV protease inhibitors): May increase circulating levels of bromocriptine. Avoid concomitant use; ensure adequate washout of the strong inhibitor before initiating treatment.
  • CYP3A4 inducers: May reduce circulating levels of bromocriptine. Use caution when co-administering.
  • Sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., phenylpropanolamine, isometheptene): Postmarketing reports of hypertension and tachycardia when co-administered in postpartum women; limited safety data for use longer than 10 days. Concomitant use for more than 10 days is not recommended.
  • Selective 5-HT1B agonists (e.g., sumatriptan): There are limited clinical trial data supporting the safety of concurrent use. Concomitant use should be avoided.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The active ingredient in CYCLOSET (bromocriptine mesylate) is highly bound to serum proteins. Therefore, CYCLOSET may increase the unbound fraction of other concomitantly used highly protein-bound therapies (e.g., salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol and probenecid), which may alter their effectiveness and risk for side effects. CYCLOSET is a dopamine receptor agonist. Concomitant use of dopamine receptor antagonists, such as neuroleptics (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes), or metoclopramide may diminish the effectiveness of CYCLOSET, and CYCLOSET may diminish the effectiveness of these other therapies. The concurrent use of CYCLOSET with these agents has not been studied in clinical trials and is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. CYCLOSET in combination with ergot-related drugs may cause an increase in the occurrence of ergot-related side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, and may also reduce the effectiveness of these ergot therapies when used to treat migraine. The concurrent use of these ergot agents within 6 hours of CYCLOSET dosing is not recommended. CYCLOSET is extensively metabolized by the liver via CYP3A4. Therefore, potent inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 may increase or reduce the circulating levels of CYCLOSET, respectively. Use caution when co-administering drugs that are inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4. CYCLOSET dose should not exceed 1.6 mg once daily during concomitant use of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., erythromycin). Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., azole antimycotics, HIV protease inhibitors) with CYCLOSET should be avoided. Ensure adequate washout of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor drug before initiating CYCLOSET treatment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿143 supplements and herbs with documented Bromocriptine interactions, ranked by severity Check Bromocriptine against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Bromocriptine

▾
  • Not for use with heart valve disease, pericardial fibrosis, or a history of lung or abdominal fibrosis.
  • Not for use with uncontrolled high blood pressure or ergot sensitivity.
  • Pregnancy: for high prolactin, it is generally stopped once pregnancy is diagnosed. Use contraception as advised and have regular pregnancy tests while periods are absent.
  • Avoid while breastfeeding in postpartum females.
  • Children 11 and older can use it for prolactin-secreting adenomas. It has not been established for other uses in children.
  • Liver problems: levels may rise, so caution is needed.
  • Contains lactose, so avoid with certain hereditary sugar-intolerance conditions.

Bromocriptine overdose

▾

Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, severe low blood pressure, confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations and repetitive yawning. Treatment includes removing the drug from the stomach, activated charcoal, fluids and monitoring. Seek emergency help or call poison control right away.

What Bromocriptine does in the body

▾

In the Cycloset diabetes trials, once-daily Cycloset improved after-meal blood sugar without raising insulin levels. It also improved how the body uses insulin to clear glucose, with lower blood sugar and HbA1c.

How your body processes Bromocriptine

▾

Bromocriptine peaks in the blood in about 2.5 hours and has a half-life of about 5 hours. Food did not significantly change how much is absorbed, but taking it with food reduces vomiting. It is heavily processed in the liver by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Most of it leaves through the stool and a small amount through urine.

How to store Bromocriptine

▾

Store and dispense: At 20-25°C (68-77°F) in a tight, light-resistant container.

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

143

Supplements & herbs that interact with Bromocriptine

143 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Bromocriptine in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 3
  • Moderate · 99
  • Minor · 41
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major GRAPEFRUIT Major ST. JOHN'S WORT Major ACACIA RIGIDULA Moderate ADRAFINIL Moderate AFRICAN WILD POTATO Moderate AMERICAN ELDER Moderate ASTAXANTHIN Moderate +135 more
Every supplement checked against Bromocriptine — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 3 major · 99 moderate · 41 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Bromocriptine against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Bromocriptine: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Bromocriptine — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is bromocriptine for?

▾
It depends on the product. Bromocriptine mesylate treats high prolactin problems, prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors, acromegaly and Parkinson's disease. The Cycloset brand is used only for type 2 diabetes.

Should I take it with food?

▾
Yes. Taking it with food helps, because many people vomited when they took it on an empty stomach. Cycloset should be taken within two hours of waking, with food.

What side effects should I expect?

▾
Nausea, headache, dizziness, tiredness and constipation are the most common, and they are usually mild to moderate. Dizziness on standing is most likely early on. Tell me if side effects don't ease up.

When should I call my doctor?

▾
Call right away for sudden sleepiness, fainting, severe headache with vision changes, chest pain, trouble breathing, leg swelling or new urges to gamble or overspend. Don't drive if you fall asleep suddenly.

Can I take it if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

▾
Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant or planning to be. For high prolactin, it is generally stopped once pregnancy is confirmed. Avoid it while breastfeeding and don't use it to stop milk production.

What medicines should I be careful with?

▾
Tell me about other ergot medicines (such as migraine drugs), antipsychotics, metoclopramide, azole antifungals, HIV medicines and erythromycin. Some can weaken bromocriptine or raise its levels. Always check before adding anything new.

Is Bromocriptine available over the counter?

▾
No. Bromocriptine is a prescription medicine: every Bromocriptine product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Bromocriptine first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Bromocriptine is from 1978: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Bromocriptine was first used.

Who makes Bromocriptine?

▾
9 companies currently list Bromocriptine products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., American Health Packaging, Avvisto Therapeutics LLC. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Bromocriptine on HelloPharmacist

📊Bromocriptine supplement interactions143 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerBromocriptine vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Bromocriptine NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Bromocriptine Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Bromocriptine forms and strengths (how it comes)

Bromocriptine is available in 2 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Cycloset
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Bromocriptine mesylate tablets are used for high-prolactin dysfunction, prolactin-secreting adenomas, acromegaly and Parkinson's disease.
  • Cycloset tablets are used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • Parlodel tablets (SnapTabs) are used for the same conditions as bromocriptine mesylate tablets.
Important instructions
  • Bromocriptine mesylate tablets are taken with food.
  • Cycloset is taken once daily within two hours after waking, with food.
  • If a morning dose of Cycloset is missed, take the usual dose the next morning and do not double it.
Available strengths 2 strengths
0.8 mg 2.5 mg
11 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Capsule

By mouth
Brands Parlodel
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Bromocriptine Mesylate capsules are used for high-prolactin dysfunction, prolactin-secreting adenomas, acromegaly and Parkinson's disease.
  • Parlodel capsules are used for the same conditions.
Important instructions
  • Bromocriptine Mesylate capsules are taken by mouth with food.
  • Bromocriptine Mesylate capsules require a heart valve evaluation before starting.
Available strengths 1 strength
5 mg
10 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Bromocriptine on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Bromocriptine appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

9 companies list 10 Bromocriptine product records with the FDA, mostly as tablet, capsule; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1978. Brand names on the directory include Cycloset, Parlodel; the rest are generics.

2
Dose forms ⓘ
9
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
2
Brand names
10
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1978
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (5) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.20%
American Health Packaging10%
Avvisto Therapeutics LLC10%
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.10%
Padagis US LLC10%
Remedyrepack Inc.10%
Other makers30%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Bromocriptine is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Bromocriptine is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Bromocriptine is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

16,540
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$2.2M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Bromocriptine prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Bromocriptine ranks #834 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 48% of them.

Where Bromocriptine ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #834 of 1,601
#829 Potassium Acetate 16,989 Rx #830 Theophylline 16,886 Rx #831 Raltegravir 16,834 Rx #832 Glyburide and Metformi... 16,761 Rx #833 Travoprost Ophthalmic 16,632 Rx #834 Bromocriptine 16,540 Rx #835 Ketoprofen 16,480 Rx #836 Bicalutamide 16,214 Rx #837 Sodium Polystyrene Sul... 16,195 Rx #838 Diclofenac Ophthalmic 16,149 Rx #839 Elagolix 16,122 Rx

Utilization by Bromocriptine product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 2.5 mg oral tablet is the most-dispensed Bromocriptine product — about 82% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

bromocriptine 2.5 MG Oral Tablet Most dispensed

13,581 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 82% of Bromocriptine prescriptions shown $1.5M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $107 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 5 of 20 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197411

bromocriptine 5 MG Oral Capsule

2,744 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 17% of Bromocriptine prescriptions shown $620,279 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $226 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 14 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197412

bromocriptine 0.8 MG Oral Tablet

215 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 1% of Bromocriptine prescriptions shown $113,866 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $530 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 4 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 859077

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Bromocriptine, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 9 of 38 listed Bromocriptine NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Bromocriptine products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Bromocriptine — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Strength Route Manufacturer / Labeler Category ⓘ Details
💊Capsule
5 mg Oral ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NDA View NDC →
5 mg Oral Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. ANDA View NDC →
5 mg Oral Zydus Lifesciences Limited ANDA View NDC →
5 mg Oral Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. ANDA View NDC →
💊Tablet
2.5 mg Oral American Health Packaging NDA View NDC →
2.5 mg Oral ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NDA View NDC →
0.8 mg Oral Avvisto Therapeutics LLC NDA View NDC →
2.5 mg Oral Padagis US LLC ANDA View NDC →
2.5 mg Oral Remedyrepack Inc. ANDA View NDC →
2.5 mg Oral Sandoz Inc ANDA View NDC →

Showing 10 of 10 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 10 Bromocriptine NDCs →

Bromocriptine recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list one Bromocriptine recall since July 2021. It is still ongoing. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Ongoing Class II Oct 23, 2025 · Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: Out of Specification (OOS) result reported for 2- Bromoergine impurity of Bromocriptine Mesylate Capsules.
  • Bromocriptine Mesylate Capsules, USP, 5 mg, 30 Capsules per bottle, Rx Only. Manufactured by: Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., Ahmedabad, India. Distributed by: Zydus Pharmaceuticals, Pennington, NJ 08534. N… Lots: Lot #: M313934, M313935, M315615, Exp. Date Nov 2025; M316809 , Exp. Date Dec-25; M405765, M405763, M405764, Exp. Date Apr-26; M414999, M414241, M414307, M414305, Exp. Date Oct-26 FDA record D-0159-2026 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Bromocriptine RxCUI 1760 2 dose forms · 5 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Capsule RxCUI 371127 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG RxCUI 197412 10 MG RxCUI 250491
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 371128 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.8 MG RxCUI 859077 1 MG RxCUI 250490 2.5 MG RxCUI 197411

Look up RxCUI 1760 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Bromocriptine costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Tablet · Oral 2.5 mg $1.61 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 0.8 mg $5.26 per tablet NDC details & price history
Capsule · Oral 5 mg $4.12 per capsule NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Bromocriptine brand names

Bromocriptine is sold under 2 brand names in the FDA directory — Cycloset, Parlodel. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Cycloset Parlodel

Who makes Bromocriptine: manufacturers and labelers

9 companies list Bromocriptine products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., American Health Packaging, Avvisto Therapeutics LLC. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2 American Health Packaging 1 Avvisto Therapeutics LLC 1 Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1 Padagis US LLC 1 Remedyrepack Inc. 1 Sandoz Inc 1 Zydus Lifesciences Limited 1 Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 1

Bromocriptine drug class (RxNorm)

Bromocriptine belongs to the Ergot Derivative class.

Pharmacologic class Ergot Derivative
Drug family (ATC) Prolactine inhibitors, Dopamine agonists

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Bromocriptine page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Jan 12, 2026
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Bromocriptine.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Bromocriptine after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
10
Finished products in the current FDA directory
10
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
9
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
9
Linked representative label ⓘ
Avvisto Therapeutics LLC
Linked label effective
Jan 12, 2026
Composite sections available
26
Linked SPL Set ID
e42ba916-16b9-4d1c-8d09-9d2fbb1b6c20
Linked SPL Document ID
d584b098-e98a-4453-aa48-9d79a470036c
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Avvisto Therapeutics LLC is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →