Dostinex

Hyperprolactinemia, Inhibition of physiological lactation, Hyperprolactinemia + 2 more

Treatment

7 FDA approvals

2 Active Studies for Dostinex

What is Dostinex

Cabergoline

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Cabergoline is a long-acting medication that works by blocking the action of a hormone called prolactin and stimulating dopamine receptors. It is used to treat elevated levels of prolactin in the body, which can cause symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, and breast milk production. Cabergoline is also approved to treat Parkinson's syndrome.

Dostinex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Dostinex 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 Dostinex Affects Patients

Cabergoline affects special receptors in the brain, particularly ones related to movement disorders. It is thought that by triggering certain types of these receptors, it can help reduce symptoms of Parkinson's. It can also reduce the amount of prolactin released by the pituitary gland. However, when too much dopamine is active in certain areas of the brain, it can cause hallucinations and delusions, which are similar to those seen in people with schizophrenia.

How Dostinex works in the body

Cabergoline is a long-acting drug that binds to dopamine D2 receptors. It helps reduce the amount of calcium entering cells, preventing them from sending signals that control muscle movement. This makes it useful for people with movement disorders. Cabergoline also stops cells from activating proteins that promote tumor growth, and blocks other signaling pathways in the brain. It has very little effect on other types of receptors, like dopamine D1, alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic, and 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 serotonin receptors.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Dostinex relies upon the indicated condition, including idiopathic hyperprolactinemic disorder, Hyperprolactinemia and Pituitary Adenoma. The amount varies as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet) mentioned in the table hereunder.

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

Dostinex has five counter-indications, so it must not be consumed when encountering any of the conditions in the following table.

Dostinex 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 Dostinex.

Common Dostinex 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.

Dostinex Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Overdosing on this drug could cause a stuffy nose, fainting, or hallucinations.

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

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

Currently, there are 5 active studies exploring the potential of Dostinex for treating idiopathic hyperprolactinemic disorder, Hyperprolactinemia and 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

Dostinex Reviews: What are patients saying about Dostinex?

5

Patient Review

4/16/2009

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I've been dealing with prolactinoma for about 25 years now, and this treatment has by far been the most effective in keeping my prolactin levels down. I highly recommend it to others who are struggling with a similar condition.

5

Patient Review

1/15/2010

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

My prolactin levels were so high that it killed my sex drive and started to affect other aspects of my life. My doctor prescribed Dostinex, which completely changed things for the better. I highly recommend you speak with your own doctor about this treatment option.

5

Patient Review

12/20/2021

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I'm one of the few males who have tried Dostinex, and I'm happy to report that it worked great for me. My libido and erectile function both returned immediately after starting this medication, better than when I was 18!

5

Patient Review

8/19/2014

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I've found my erections to be both fuller and better since taking this product. Additionally, my sex drive has returned to its previous levels. I highly recommend it to others seeking similar results without any negative side effects, as I experienced none myself.

5

Patient Review

3/12/2011

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I felt lightheaded when I first started taking Dostinex, but now I'm okay. I take half a tablet twice a week.

5

Patient Review

4/7/2009

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

5

Patient Review

7/28/2009

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I had a brain operation to remove a prolactinoma in 2007. I've been taking dostinex 4 times per week since then, but the prolactin levels are still very high. It's frustrating how slowly it seems to be working, but this is the best treatment available right now so I'll continue to take it.

4.7

Patient Review

1/5/2010

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I was very pleased with how well this drug worked for me, but I'm confused as to why it was discontinued in the United States. According to reports, there may be heart damage associated with this medication; however, I have yet to experience any negative side effects. If anyone has any information on this, please let me know.

4.3

Patient Review

6/13/2009

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I had a pituitary tumor that caused my body to produce milk, even though I'm male. After trying this medication, the tumor has now vanished without needing surgery. Although I felt sick when I first started taking it, the results have been well worth it.

4.3

Patient Review

10/12/2009

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I had a great experience with this drug and didn't experience any negative side effects like nausea.

3.7

Patient Review

11/13/2009

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I was experiencing some severe dizziness, fatigue, and high blood pressure. Additionally, I had ringing in my ears which made it tough to sleep.

2.3

Patient Review

6/22/2010

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

I'm only taking this medication because I have no other choice. It makes me feel exhausted constantly, and some days I just can't muster up the energy to do anything. Additionally, I get headaches several times a week, my breasts are often tender, and I've gained weight since starting this low dose.

1.7

Patient Review

5/6/2018

Dostinex for Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood

While this treatment did lower my prolactin levels from 30 to 20, I experienced severe depression as a result. It was awful; I felt fear, anger, and sadness constantly. Panic attacks were also a regular occurrence. Thank goodness when I stopped taking the pill, these feelings started to dissipate until they eventually went away entirely. However, now my doctor wants me to try it again and I'm absolutely petrified.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about dostinex

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

How quickly does Dostinex work?

"The Prolactin-lowering effect begins within 3 hours after administration and can last up to 7-28 days in healthy volunteers and patients with hyperprolactinaemia, and up to 14-21 days in postpartum women. The effect is related to the dose, both in terms of the degree of effect and how long it lasts."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Dostinex?

"feeling of movement,, headache,, fear,, anxiety,, restlessness

Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, gas, dizziness, spinning sensation, feeling of movement, headache, fear, anxiety, and restlessness are all possible side effects of this medication."

Answered by AI

What is the best time to take Dostinex?

"You should take cabergoline with a meal and a glass of water to reduce the risk of feeling nauseous. It's best to take it at the same time(s) each day, and if you're taking it weekly, make sure to take it on the same day each week."

Answered by AI

What is Dostinex used for?

"This medication can help to lower high levels of prolactin in your body, which can relieve symptoms such as unwanted breast milk and missed periods. It can also help if you're having difficulty getting pregnant."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Dostinex

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.