Cabergoline

Hyperprolactinemia, Inhibition of physiological lactation, Hyperprolactinemia + 2 more

Treatment

7 FDA approvals

2 Active Studies for Cabergoline

What is Cabergoline

Cabergoline

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Cabergoline is a medication derived from a type of fungus that works to reduce prolactin levels in the body. It is mainly used to treat disorders caused by too much prolactin in the blood, such as hyperprolactinemic disorders and Parkinson's Syndrome. Cabergoline works by activating dopamine receptors, which can help regulate the body's hormone levels.

Dostinex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Cabergoline Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Dostinex

Cabergoline

1996

16

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Cabergoline, also known as Dostinex, is approved by the FDA for 7 uses which include Hyperprolactinemia and Hyperprolactinemia .

Hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia

Inhibition of physiological lactation therapy

Pituitary Adenomas

Inhibition of physiological lactation

Pituitary Adenoma

Hyperprolactinemia

Effectiveness

How Cabergoline Affects Patients

Cabergoline is a semisynthetic ergot derivative that works on certain dopamine receptors in the brain. It is used to treat Parkinson's syndrome, which is caused by a lack of activity in an area of the brain called the nigrostriatal pathway. This can cause symptoms such as difficulty with movement, tremor, and reduced facial expression. Cabergoline also acts on a pathway called the mesolimbic pathway, which can cause hallucinations and delusions if too much dopamine is present. Finally, cabergoline works on the tuberoinfundibular pathway to reduce levels of the hormone prolactin.

How Cabergoline works in the body

The dopamine D2 receptor is a protein in the body that is linked to certain G proteins. When stimulated, it reduces the activity of certain enzymes, interrupts calcium entering the cell, and blocks certain proteins from being phosphorylated. This can help regulate growth hormone release, muscle activity, and other important functions. Cabergoline is a drug with a high affinity to the dopamine D2 receptor, which helps stimulate it. Cabergoline does not interact with other receptors in the body, like D1 receptors, adrenergic receptors, or serotonin receptors.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested amount of Cabergoline is based upon the diagnosed affliction, including idiopathic hyperprolactinemic disorder, Hyperprolactinemia and Pituitary Adenoma. The dosage is contingent upon the method of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet) displayed in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pituitary Adenoma

0.5 mg,

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral

Inhibition of physiological lactation

0.5 mg,

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral

Hyperprolactinemia

0.5 mg,

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral

Inhibition of physiological lactation therapy

0.5 mg,

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral

Hyperprolactinemia

0.5 mg,

, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral

Warnings

Cabergoline Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

history of pericardial fibrosis

Do Not Combine

Retroperitoneal fibrosis

Do Not Combine

Heart Valve Diseases

Do Not Combine

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Do Not Combine

Hypertensive disease

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Cabergoline.

Common Cabergoline Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine

Major

Cabergoline may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine.

4-Methoxyamphetamine

Major

Cabergoline may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of 4-Methoxyamphetamine.

5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine

Major

Cabergoline may increase the vasoconstricting activities of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine.

Abediterol

Major

Cabergoline may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of Abediterol.

Adrafinil

Major

Cabergoline may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of Adrafinil.

Cabergoline Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Taking too much of this drug may cause stuffiness in the nose, passing out, or hallucinations.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Cabergoline Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cabergoline?

Five active clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the potential of Cabergoline in managing idiopathic hyperprolactinemic disorder, Hyperprolactinemia, and the Inhibition of physiological lactation.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Inhibition of physiological lactation therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Pituitary Adenoma

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable

Hyperprolactinemia

0 Actively Recruiting

Inhibition of physiological lactation

0 Actively Recruiting

Hyperprolactinemia

0 Actively Recruiting

Cabergoline Reviews: What are patients saying about Cabergoline?

5

Patient Review

3/28/2022

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

If you've been struggling to conceive, this medication might be a great option for you. I was trying to get pregnant for 8 years before taking this medication for two months. Now I have an healthy 8-month-old boy!

5

Patient Review

2/7/2016

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I was really blown away by how well this drug worked for me. Not only did it quickly lower my blood prolactin levels to normal, but it also increased my energy, restarted my periods, stopped my lactation, and improved both my depression and sexual function. The only downside is that I got more headaches while taking the medication; however, these were manageable as long as I took the drug right before bed.

5

Patient Review

2/27/2016

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

Cabergoline has been an effective medication for me with no negative side effects. I've had irregular cycles and no period since December 2015, but after being on cabergoline for only a week my period came back!

5

Patient Review

7/16/2016

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I was diagnosed with low testosterone due to high prolactin levels in my blood. This treatment really helped turn things around for me and my sex life - my wife can't even keep up with me now! I've been using it for about a year with no negative side effects, other than an increased libido.

5

Patient Review

6/5/2016

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I stuck with this medication for a few weeks even though the side effects were really tough at first. I'm glad I did because it eventually helped me recover my menstrual cycle and lower my prolactin levels

4.7

Patient Review

1/25/2017

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I found this drug to be effective in reducing my high prolactin levels. I'm curious if anyone has experienced any side effects from suddenly stopping the medication?

3.7

Patient Review

1/6/2021

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

The side effects are really uncomfortable for me.

3.7

Patient Review

8/28/2022

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I've been on Dostinex for the past four months to treat my prolactin levels. I was prescribed this by an endocrinologist after getting MRI results back. This treatment has helped me a lot, and I haven't had any negative side effects that I can think of.

3.3

Patient Review

5/18/2015

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I've been taking this medication for two weeks now, as my prolactin levels were high. I was feeling dizzy and sleeping a lot, but those are the only side effects I experienced.

3.3

Patient Review

11/3/2020

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I began taking this medication last week. After the first dose, I had a really bad migraine and had to urinate constantly. However, after the second dose I haven't had any problems other than my urine being darker than normal. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?

3.3

Patient Review

3/22/2022

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I take cabergoline for microadenoma and my endocrinologist doesn't believe me when I say that this medication is causing me to bleed. It's been a non-stop problem for over a month now, and it always starts the day after taking the medication. It's so frustrating because I feel like I'm trading one problem for another.

2.7

Patient Review

2/24/2020

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I've been on this medication for three months now (0.5mg) because my prolactin levels increased and I hadn't had a period in that time. However, my periods are still irregular. I also constantly feel depressed and anxious, and have developed migraines and blurry vision since beginning treatment.

2.7

Patient Review

4/10/2021

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I started taking the medication four weeks ago and got some weird side effects. They went away around week two or three, but I still haven't gotten my period yet. Wish the doctor had given me a heads up about when to expect it.

2.3

Patient Review

1/3/2021

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

Cabergoline has been much better for me than bromocriptine. I haven't had any issues with depression or bad thoughts, and my periods still haven't resumed.

1

Patient Review

2/11/2015

Cabergoline for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

After taking this medication for a little over a month, I started experiencing shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chronic fatigue, poor concentration, and difficulty retaining information. Thankfully, these symptoms stopped within a few days of discontinuing the drug.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about cabergoline

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does cabergoline do to dopamine?

"The drug cabergoline is used to treat Parkinson's disease. This drug is different from levodopa in that it directly stimulates dopamine receptors."

Answered by AI

When should cabergoline be taken?

"It is generally recommended to take this medication twice a week, with or without food. Be sure to follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. It is important to take cabergoline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor."

Answered by AI

Does cabergoline make you fertile?

"Approximately 85% of women who take cabergoline will ovulate and can become pregnant if no other causes of infertility are present."

Answered by AI

What type of drug is cabergoline?

"If a man has high levels of prolactin, it can cause enlarged breasts and decreased sexual ability/desire. Cabergoline is a medication that blocks the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Cabergoline

Image of National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, United States.

CRH Stimulation for Cushing's Disease

8 - 99
All Sexes
Bethesda, MD

Background: Cushing s disease is caused by a pituitary gland tumor. Patients with Cushing s disease suffer obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, weakness, and hypertension. The cure is surgery to remove the pituitary tumor. Currently, MRI is the best way to find these tumors. But not all tumors can be seen with an MRI. Researchers hope giving the hormone CRH before a PET scan can help make these tumors more visible. Objective: To test whether giving CRH before a PET scan will help find pituitary gland tumors that might be causing Cushing s disease. Eligibility: People ages 8 and older with Cushing s disease that is caused by a pituitary gland tumor that cannot be reliably seen on MRI Design: Participants will be screened with their medical history, a physical exam, an MRI, and blood tests. Participants will have at least one hospital visit. During their time in the hospital, they will have a physical exam and a neurological exam. They will have a PET scan of the brain. A thin plastic tube will be inserted into an arm vein. A small amount of radioactive sugar and CRH will be injected through the tube. Participants will lie in a darkened room for about an hour and be asked to urinate. Then they will lie inside the scanner for about 40 minutes. After the scan, they will be asked to urinate every 2-3 hours for the rest of the day. Blood will be drawn through a needle in the arm. Participants will have surgery to remove their tumor within 3 months after the scan. Participants will then continue regular follow-up in the clinic.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Prashant Chittiboina, M.D.