Cabergoline is used to treat various medical conditions caused by elevated levels of the hormone prolactin. It can address:
Menstrual issues
Male and female fertility problems
Pituitary prolactinoma (tumors of the pituitary gland)
How it works:
Prevents the pituitary gland from producing and releasing prolactin.
Treatment usually stops when prolactin levels are normal for 6 months.
May be prescribed again if symptoms reappear.
Available in tablet form for oral dosage.
Cabergoline Tablet Uses
Treats elevated prolactin levels: Helps manage symptoms like unwanted breast milk, missed periods, and fertility issues in women, and enlarged breasts and reduced sexual desire in men.
Ergot drug: Blocks the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland.
Parkinson’s disease: Sometimes used to treat movement, muscle control, and balance issues.
How to Use
Dosage: Take orally, with or without food, typically twice a week as prescribed by your doctor.
Adjustments: Dose depends on your medical condition and treatment response.
Regular intake: Take the medication consistently, and mark your calendar to help remember the doses.
Cabergoline Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Constipation
Tiredness
Dizziness
Breast pain
Painful menstrual periods
Burning sensation
Numbness
Tingling sensation
Serious Side Effects:
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing when lying down
Cough
Chest pain
Swelling of hands, feet or ankles
Decrease in urination
Pain in back, side, or groin
Lumps or pain in the stomach area
Abnormal vision
Precautions To Be Taken For Cabergoline
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you’re allergic to cabergoline or other ergot medications.
Medical history: Discuss any history of kidney problems, liver problems, bipolar disorder, or Parkinson’s disease with your doctor.
Heart valve disease: Your doctor may assess your heart valves and conduct tests if necessary.
Liver conditions: Inform your doctor if you have any liver-related health issues.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Cabergoline can affect breast-milk production.
Dizziness: Cabergoline can cause dizziness, especially when getting up too quickly. Rise slowly to avoid this issue.
Dosage Guidelines
Interfering drugs: Some medications, like antipsychotics, lorcaserin, metoclopramide, and certain antifungal agents, can affect how cabergoline works.
Consult your doctor: Always discuss potential drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
Action: Contact a poison control center or seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
Note
Do not share: This medication is prescribed specifically for you.
Regular monitoring: Laboratory tests (e.g., prolactin levels, EKG) may be conducted to monitor your progress and check for side effects.
Missed Dose
If missed: Take as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up on doses.
Storage
Conditions: Store at room temperature away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom.
Disposal: Properly discard when expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for disposal guidance.
Cabergoline vs Bromocriptine
Cabergoline
Bromocriptine
Formula: C26H37N5O2
Formula: C32H40BrN5O5
Molecular Weight: 451.6 g/mol
Molar mass: 654.595 g/mol
Elimination half-life: 63–69 hours (estimated)
Elimination half-life: 12-14 hours
Cabergoline is an ergot derivative
Bromocriptine is an ergoline derivative
Cabergoline is used to treat various forms of medical conditions caused by the development of too much of the hormone prolactin.
Used in the treatment of pituitary tumors, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, hyperprolactinemia, and, as an adjunct, type 2 diabetes.
