Description

GENERIC NAME: Cabergoline BRAND NAME: Dostinex (in USA) CLASS AND MECHANISM OF DRUGS: Cabergoline is a synthetic drug derived from ergot that acts on dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Cabergoline stimulates D2 receptors (a specific type of dopamine receptor) in the anterior pituitary gland and prevents the production of the hormone prolactin. The approval of cabergoline has gradually decreased the use of bromocriptine (Cycloset) for the treatment of hyperprolactinemias (abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood). Cabergoline may be more effective than bromocriptine, and it has fewer bothersome side effects. Furthermore, bromocriptine is administered several times a day in USA, while cabergoline has a longer half-life that allows it to be administered twice a week. Cabergoline was first approved by the US FDA for the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders (high levels of prolactin) on December 23, 1996. PRESERVED FOR: Cabergoline is used to treat hyperprolactinemic disorders, or abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood. SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are: Nausea • headache, • dizziness or lightheadedness, • weakness, • low blood pressure, • constipation, and • stomach pain. Less common side effects are: • abnormal heart rhythm changes, • mid-upper stomach pain, • nosebleeds, and • temporary blindness in half of the field of vision in one or both eyes.