What it means
A dopamine agonist. It lowers prolactin (which can cause milk discharge, missed periods and infertility), treats acromegaly, can be added for Parkinson diseasePAR-kin-sun dih-ZEEZA slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.Full entry , and in one form (Cycloset) treats type 2 diabetes. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure on standing and, rarely, impulse-control problems.
For the nurse
Give it with food to reduce nausea, and have the client rise slowly, especially after the first dose. Teach that fertility may return quickly when prolactin falls.
At a glance
| Drug class | dopamine agonist |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Parlodel, Cycloset |
| Also written | Parlodel, Cycloset |
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
Parkinson disease
A slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.