What is Cabergoline ?
Cabergoline is used to treat various forms of medical conditions caused by the development of too much of the hormone prolactin. It can be used to treat some menstrual issues, male and female fertility problems, and pituitary prolactinoma (tumors of the pituitary gland).
It functions by preventing the pituitary gland from producing and releasing the prolactin hormone from the brain. When prolactin levels are usual for 6 months, the use of cabergoline is normally stopped. When signs of too much prolactin arise again, it may be given again. This medication is available in tablet form for dosage.
Cabergoline Uses
This drug is used to treat the body with elevated levels of the hormone prolactin. Symptoms such as unwanted breast milk and missed periods can be caused by elevated levels of prolactin in women and can cause difficulties becoming pregnant. Symptoms such as enlarged breasts and diminished sexual ability/desire can be triggered by elevated levels of prolactin in men. Cabergoline is an ergot drug that functions by blocking the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland.
Cabergoline is also used to treat Parkinson's disease in some cases (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). Speak to your doctor about the complications of your condition using this drug.
How to use
- Take this drug orally, with or without food, usually twice a week, or as prescribed by your doctor.
- The dose is dependent on your medical condition and your treatment reaction (prolactin levels). In order to help minimize side effects, your doctor will start you at a low dose and slowly raise your dose over several months. Strictly follow the directions given by your doctor.
- To get the most benefits from it, take this drug daily. Mark the days on the calendar that you need to take your medicine, to help you recall.
Cabergoline Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Breast pain
- Painful menstrual periods
- Burning sensation
- Numbness feeling
- Tingling sensation
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the hands
- Swelling of feet or ankles, or lower legs
- Decrease in urination
- Pain in the back, side, or groin
- Lumps or pain in the stomach area
- Abnormal vision
Precautions
- If you are allergic to cabergoline, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ergot medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine), ergotamine (Cafergot, Ergomar), methylergonovine (Methergine), methysergide (Sansert), and pergolide (Permax), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the tablets containing cabergoline. For a list of the ingredients, ask your pharmacist.
- Keep in mind any of the following drugs: antihistamines; ergot medicines such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergotamine (Cafergot, Ergomar) and methylergonovine (Methergine); haloperidol (Haldol); levodopa (Parcopa, Sinemet, and Stalevo); high blood pressure, psychiatric disease, or nausea medicines; metoclopramide (Reglan); or thiothixene (Navane). Your doctor may need to adjust your prescription dosage or monitor your side effects carefully.
- Tell your doctor whether you are using or have ever used street medications and whether you have or have ever had high blood pressure or any disease in your lungs, heart, or abdomen that causes thickening or scarring. And, whether you have or have ever had heart valve disease, notify your doctor. In order to see if your heart valves are safe, your doctor will assess you and order tests. If you have symptoms of heart valve disease or any of these conditions, your doctor may advise you not to take Cabergoline.
- If you have liver-related health issues or have ever had a liver condition, tell your doctor.
- If you are in your pregnancy period or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor. Give your doctor a call if you get pregnant while taking Cabergoline.
- If you are breast-feeding, tell your doctor or ask a doctor before doing. Cabergoline can delay or stop breast-milk development.
- You should know that when you get up too rapidly from a lying position, cabergoline can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. When you first start using cabergoline, this is more popular. Get out of bed slowly to avoid this problem, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
Interactions
Antipsychotic drugs (such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thiothixene), lorcaserin, metoclopramide, prochlorperazine are some of the products that may interfere with this drug.Other drugs can have an effect on the body's removal of cabergoline, which can influence how cabergoline functions. Some azole antifungal agents (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), cobicistat, and HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, saquinavir), among others, are instances.
Overdose
Call a poison control center immediately if someone has overdosed and has severe signs such as passing out or difficulty breathing. Extreme dizziness, fainting, mental/mood changes can be signs of overdose (such as hallucinations).
Note
Don't share with anyone this drug. In order to monitor your progress or check for side effects, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as prolactin levels, EKG) should be conducted before beginning and while you are taking this drug. For more info, contact your doctor.
Missed Dose
If a missed dose is missed, take it as soon as you recall it. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the skipped dose. Take your next dose at a normal time. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store it away from sunlight, heat, and moisture at room temperature. Do not store your things in the bathroom. Unless told to do so, do not flush drugs down the toilet or dump them into a drain. When it gets expired or no longer in use or needed, properly discard this product carefully. Consult your pharmacist or local business for waste disposal.
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. |
