Quinagolide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is the drug Quinagolide used for?

Quinagolide is a drug to treat conditions caused by high levels of prolactin in the blood (hyperprolactinaemia), which include:

• Excess milk production
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Infertility
• Decreased sexual desire.

How do you use Quinagolide?

Treatment usually begins with a “starter pack” containing 3 25 mcg tablets and 3 50 mcg tablets in one strip. Then the treatment was continued with 75 mcg tablets in a package containing 30 tablets with 10 tablets per strip.

How to store Quinagolide?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Quinagolide for adults?

It is important to use the medicine according to the doctor's instructions. The packaging on the medicine has instructions on how much and when to take it. If not, or you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Quinagolide dosage for the elderly:

Use this medication only if your doctor has decided this medication is suitable for you. Follow the directions carefully.

These tablets should only be taken out of the package just before you take them.

• Treatment usually starts with a 'starter pack' and you will take 1 tablet 25 mcg per day (1 pink tablet) for the first 3 days (marked Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 on the strip).
• Then proceed with 1 tablet 50 mcg per day (1 pale blue tablet) for the next 3 days (marked Day 4, Day 5, Day 6 on the strip).
• From the 7th day, the recommended dose is 1 tablet 75 mcg per day (1 white tablet). Most patients require doses of 75 - 150 mcg.

Some patients require a daily dose of 300 mcg or more. Your doctor will tell you if you need a higher dose. You should not change the dose yourself.

Norprolac should be taken once per day at bedtime, recommended with a small meal. Remove the medicine from the package by pushing it out of the package. Swallow it with water.

What is the dosage of Quinagolide for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosages and preparations is Quinagolide available?

Quinagolide is available in the following dosages:

75 mcg tablet

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to Quinagolide?

Like other medicines, Norprolac can have side effects.

These are the side effects that are most common during the first few days of treatment and tend to go away with treatment.

Some very common side effects (affect more than 10 out of every 100 treated patients):

• Nausea
• Gag
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Tired

Common side effects (affect from 1 to 10 out of every 100 patients treated):

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach ache
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Increased water retention
• Blushing
• Nasal obstruction and drop in blood pressure, which can lead to fainting.

Rare side effects (affect 1 to 100 out of every 10,000 patients treated):

• Drowsiness

Very rare side effects (affecting less than 1 in every 10,000 treated patients):

• Treatment with Norprolac is associated with altered mental status, which can return to normal once treatment is stopped.

Other side effects include:

Unable to resist the urge, urge or temptation to do things that could harm you or others, which can include:

• A strong desire to gamble to excess regardless of personal or family consequences.
• Changes or increases in sexual desire and behaviors that are important to you and others, such as increased sexual desire.
• Uncontrolled excessive shopping or spending
• Eating too much in a short period of time or eating more than usual and than is necessary to fill you up.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Quinagolide?

Consult a doctor if you have had a mental illness.

• Norprolac can cause your blood pressure to drop when you stand up, especially for the first few days during treatment or after increasing your dose. This can lead to decreased consciousness or fainting. To avoid this, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Your doctor will check your blood pressure during the first few days of treatment and while increasing your dose.
• Let your doctor know if you or your family or caregiver notice you are experiencing unusual behavioral urges and that you cannot resist the urge to engage in activities that could harm you or others. This is called an impulse control disorder and can include behaviors such as addiction to gambling, excessive eating or spending, abnormal sexual arousal or increased sexual thoughts or feelings. Your doctor can adjust or stop the dose.

Is Quinagolide safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

• Fertility can increase as long as you take Quinagolide, some women of childbearing age who do not want to become pregnant must use a reliable method of contraception.
• If you are planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to stop Quinagolide once the pregnancy has been confirmed. However, some patients need to continue treatment with Quinagolide during pregnancy. If you become pregnant suddenly while you are taking Quinagolide, tell your doctor right away.

Breastfeeding:

Quinagolide decreases milk production, so you usually cannot breastfeed while taking Quinagolide. You are prohibited from breastfeeding even though you can do it. This is because it is not known whether the active ingredients in Quinagolide pass into breast milk or not.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Quinagolide?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with Quinagolide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Quinagolide?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.