Description
Generics:
Cabergoline
Dosage Form: Tablet
Indications:
It is indicated for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia disorders, whether idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas. It is used to stop breast milk production (breastfeeding) shortly after childbirth, stillbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. It can also be used to treat other conditions caused by hormonal disturbances that can lead to high levels of prolactin production. This includes high levels of prolactin caused by pituitary tumors in both men and women.
Pharmacology:
Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for the D2 receptor. It works by reducing the amount of prolactin secreted by the pituitary gland. The results of in vitro studies demonstrate that cabergoline has a direct inhibitory effect on prolactin secretion.
Dosage guideline:
Advised by doctor.
The recommended dosage of Cabergoline for initiation of therapy is 0.25 mg twice a week. Dosage may be increased by 0.25 mg twice weekly up to a dosage of 1 mg twice a week according to the patient’s serum prolactin level. Dosage increases should not occur more rapidly than every 4 weeks, so that the physician can assess the patient’s response to each dosage level. If the patient does not respond adequately and no additional benefit is observed with higher doses, the lowest dose that achieved maximal response should be used and other therapeutic approaches considered. After a normal serum prolactin level has been maintained for 6 months, Cabergoline may be discontinued, with periodic monitoring of the serum prolactin level to determine whether or when treatment with Cabergoline should be reinstituted.
- To prevent milk production (lactation): 1 mg Cabergoline tablet on the first day after delivery.
- To stop lactation once have started to breastfeed: 0.25 mg Cabergoline tablet every 12 hours for two days.
- To reduce prolactin levels in other conditions: Initially take one Cabergoline 0.5 mg tablet (to be taken in two doses) spread out over a week (e.g., half a tablet on Monday and the other half of the tablet on Thursday). Dose will be increased up to a maximum dose of 4.5 mg or until have responded fully to treatment.
Route of administration: Orally.
Interaction:
Cabergoline should not be administered concurrently with D2 antagonists such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes or metoclopramide as they can interfere with the effects of cabergoline. There are other medicines such as other ergot alkaloids, medicines to prevent vomiting (metoclopramide), medicines for reducing high blood pressure and macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin) that may affect the activity and tolerability of cabergoline.
Contraindications:
Pregnant or planning to get pregnant, women must discuss with doctor before treatment though cabergoline is pregnancy category B. Pregnant for at least one month, one should stop taking cabergoline, as cabergoline will stop producing milk. If someone plan to breastfeed should not take cabergoline.
Side Effects:
Pregnant or planning to get pregnant, women must discuss with doctor before treatment though cabergoline is pregnancy category B. Pregnant for at least one month, one should stop taking cabergoline, as cabergoline will stop producing milk. If someone plan to breastfeed should not take cabergoline.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnant or planning to get pregnant, women must discuss with doctor before treatment though cabergoline is pregnancy category B. Pregnant for at least one month, one should stop taking cabergoline, as cabergoline will stop producing milk. If someone plan to breastfeed should not take cabergoline.
 Precautions & Warnings:
Dopamine agonists in general should not be used in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension, for example, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, unless the potential benefit is judged to outweigh the possible risk. Initial doses higher than 1.0 mg may produce orthostatic hypotension. Care should be exercised when administering cabergoline with other medications known to lower blood pressure. Cabergoline is not indicated for the inhibition or suppression of physiologic lactation. Use of bromocriptine, another dopamine agonist for this purpose, has been associated with cases of hypertension, stroke, and seizures. Since cabergoline is extensively metabolized by the liver, caution should be used when administering cabergoline to patients with hepatic impairment. Following diagnosis of pleural effusion or pulmonary fibrosis or valvulopathy, the discontinuance of cabergoline has been reported to result in improvement of signs and symptoms.
Therapeutic Class:
Antiparkinson drugs
Storage Conditions:
Store in a cool and dry place protected from light. Keep away from the reach of children.
Manufactured by: Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
