Generic name: cabergoline [ ca-BER-goe-leen ]
Brand name: Dostinex
Dosage form: oral tablet (0.5 mg)
Drug class: Prolactin inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 16, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cabergoline?

Cabergoline is used to treat a hormone imbalance in which there is too much prolactin in the blood (also called hyperprolactinemia).

Cabergoline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cabergoline side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cabergoline may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even while lying down);

• chest pain, dry cough or hack;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• pain in your side or lower back;

• little or no urination; or

• swelling in your ankles or feet.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking cabergoline. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects of cabergoline may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• constipation;

• feeling weak or tired;

• headache;

• dizziness; or

• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use cabergoline if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a heart valve disorder, or a condition called fibrosis (growth of excess tissue in or around internal organs). You should not use cabergoline if you are allergic to any type of ergot medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use cabergoline if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);

• a heart valve disorder;

• a growth of excess tissue (fibrosis) in your lungs or around your heart or stomach; or

• an allergy to any type of ergot medicine, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• heart problems; or

• hypertension caused by pregnancy, including eclampsia and preeclampsia;

It is not known whether cabergoline will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using cabergoline.

How should I take cabergoline?

Your doctor will perform tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using cabergoline.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cabergoline is usually taken twice each week for at least 6 months. Do not take this medicine every day unless your doctor tells you to.

Your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis to measure your prolactin levels.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Cabergoline dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperprolactinemia:

Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally twice a week
-Increase dose in increments of 0.25 mg twice a week no more frequently than every 4 weeks according to patient's prolactin level
Maximum dose: 1 mg twice a week

Comments:
-Patients should be maintained on the lowest dose that provides maximal response.
-After maintaining normal serum prolactin levels for 6 months, this drug may be stopped and serum prolactin levels followed to determine whether reinitiating therapy is necessary.

Use: For the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders, either idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas.

Related/similar drugs

bromocriptine, Dostinex, Parlodel, pergolide

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include stuffy nose, hallucinations, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking cabergoline?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect cabergoline?

Using cabergoline with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially

• metoclopramide; or

• medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness such as schizophrenia.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect cabergoline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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