Cabergoline
Uses of Cabergoline
Cabergoline is commonly used to suppress High Levels Of Prolactin in Hyperprolactinemia, inhibit physiological lactation postpartum and as adjunct or monotherapy in Parkinson's Disease
How Cabergoline Works
Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist that acts on D2-dopamine receptors. It suppresses prolactin secretion by stimulating dopamine release.
Side Effects of Cabergoline
Abdominal discomforts such as dyspepsia and epigastric pain, Headache, Confusion, Hallucination, Constipation, Angina, Breast pain, Nausea, Postural hypotension, Syncope, Allergic reactions
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Long term uses of Cabergoline may cause fibrotic disorders which may involve kidney. Investigate any loin pain which may suggest renal insufficiency due to ureteral or abdominal obstruction.
Alcohol Safe
A small amount of alcohol doesn't appear to reduce the safety or function of Cabergoline. However, it is not advised to take alcohol if you are feeling drowsy or dizzy after taking this medication as alcohol may exacerbate these effects.
Pregnancy Maybe Safe
Cabergoline does not appear to be teratogenic in animal studies, however, it has shown to exhibit maternal toxic properties. There were no adequate studies in humans but research done so far shown it may affect fertility and may cause congenital abnormality. Uses of this medication during pregnancy should be avoided unless if clearly indicated and the risk and benefit have been thoroughly evaluated.
Driving Not advisable
As this medication could impair a person's concentration. Actions that require fast and accurate reactions such as driving and operating machines should be done with caution especially if you are not feeling well.
Liver Limited Data
Dose adjustment for Cabergoline may be needed for a patient with liver insufficiency. Higher plasma concentration has been noted in patient with severe hepatic insufficiency who receive this medication.
Lactation Limited Data
Study in animals shows that Cabergoline is excreted in breastmilk. As there was no data of the same in humans, a mother is not advised to breast-feed while taking this medication as this medication inhibits lactation. However, lactating mothers with hyperprolactinemia who wish to breastfeed should not be treated with this medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
