Cabergoline is an antiprolactin medication used in the treatment of high prolactin levels due to pituitary tumors. It has a good response to treatment in prolactinomas, with few side effects. It is taken orally in tablet form once a day with a small meal such as supper.

It has been used to produce normalization of PRL levels and tumor shrinkage in females with giant prolactinoma and also pregnancy induction in females suffering from primary amenorrhoea caused by a macroprolactinoma secreting prolactin.

Benefits

Cabergoline is a safe medication, although it has few side effects that should be closely monitored. The common ones are dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea. When you feel any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your endocrinologist. Moreover, Cabergoline Tablets interacts with a few other drugs. For this reason, you have to provide your doctor with a complete list of your prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal supplements you are taking. It may also influence the way that your body metabolizes particular drugs. For instance, it can increase the concentration of some macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin. It can also affect the potency of some other anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and phenytoin.

Though it is no treatment for endometriosis, Cabergoline has been found to severely minimize the symptoms in numerous women. It is a drug often prescribed off label to women who are attempting in vitro fertilization; this will reduce the possibilities of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It is also used in the treatment of uterine fibroids and helps with menstrual periods in women who are suffering from microprolactinomas, a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that creates high levels of prolactin.

It is unknown if it is excreted into breast milk, but Cabergoline can inhibit lactation. Therefore, a discussion with your doctor prior to breastfeeding is essential. It is also important to discuss the benefits and risks of continuing this drug once you have stopped breastfeeding. Some people have reported changes in their behaviour while taking this medication, including increased sexual urges and compulsive behaviours such as gambling.

Dosage

Cabergoline distribution is wide within the body. The drug is known to be modestly bound to human plasma proteins with a concentration-independent manner. The excretion of this drug is by the kidney and intestines. Studies in animals showed that the drug and its metabolite distribute into the pituitary gland and exceeds its plasma levels 100 times. It also has been detected in the milk of nursing rats, indicating possible exposure to nursing infants.

In clinical studies, the side effects of Cabergoline are minimal and less severe than those with bromocriptine. The most common side effects are dizziness when standing up and tiredness, but these usually resolve once the medication is taken regularly. Constipation, pain during menstrual periods and breast tenderness are also possible.

Rarely, both Cabergoline and bromocriptine may cause psychiatric disturbances. Patients should inform their friends and family of any unusual urges, such as a strong desire to gamble or increased sexual urges. These symptoms will resolve shortly after the medication is discontinued.

This drug may cause a condition known as scarring or hardening of the organ tissue, especially in the lungs, around the heart, or in the area behind the stomach. If this happens, seek medical help immediately. This drug is not to be used by pregnant women or those who have had a history of fibrosis or other lung disease.

Side Effects

Cabergoline is very effective in managing hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin, a hormone) in breast-feeding women who want or need to stop producing milk. Cabergoline is also used to treat psychogenic erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity that is caused by psychological factors, such as anxiety. Cabergoline is usually used in combination with Cialis.

Cabergoline has a low degree of interaction with other drugs and is not removed from the body very quickly. It is absorbed from the stomach and intestines, and then excreted into the urine. The drug is extensively distributed in the body tissues, including the pituitary gland, and binds moderately to plasma proteins. Plasma levels of the drug and its metabolites increase approximately twofold following a single oral dose.

In patients with mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency, the pharmacokinetics of Cabergoline is independent of food intake or of age. However, in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score >10), a marked increase in mean Cabergoline Cmax and AUC is observed.

There is a rare chance that one may develop an intense urge to gamble, show other compulsive behaviour, while on Cabergoline. It is advisable to inform your relatives so that they may contact the doctor should they identify such symptoms.

Precautions

Use cabergoline with caution if you have a history of high blood pressure. It may increase your blood pressure and worsen the conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any cases of liver disease.

This medication is not for pregnant women or nursing mothers. Cabergoline is excreted into the breast milk and may cause serious side effects in nursing infants. Your doctor will decide whether you should stop breastfeeding or do not take this drug during breastfeeding.

Cabergoline may impair your thinking or your reaction. Consult with your doctor if you notice any mood changes or are agitated or upset.

Some people taking this drug become compulsive gamblers or have other intense urges or behaviours that they can't control. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms even if they are mild.

Do not use this medicine if you have a certain condition called fibrosis of the pituitary. This is a condition when your organs begin to become scarred and hardened. It can be in the lungs, around the heart, or behind the belly. Signs and symptoms would include difficulty breathing, having a cough that will not go away, chest pains, or a lump inside the belly.

This medication interacts with some sedative drugs and other medications. Check the label of any other drugs you are taking before starting this treatment. Also, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or take street drugs.