(ca-BER-goe-leen)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Acromegaly

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Hyperprolactinemic (increased prolactin levels) disorders

BRAND NAME
Dostinex

DRUG CLASS
Ergot alkaloid and derivative

DESCRIPTION
Cabergoline inhibits the secretion of prolactin, a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, by stimulating the release of dopamine.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, fatigue, headache, constipation, nausea, somnolence, depression, low blood pressure upon standing from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension), vertigo, numbness, abdominal pain, upset stomach, vomiting.

CAUTIONS
  • Orthostatic hypotension (a sudden decrease in blood pressure upon standing from a sitting or lying position) may occur if initial doses are greater than 1 mg.
  • This drug is not indicated for the inhibition of the normal lactation after birth, since this has been associated with high blood pressure, seizures, and stroke.
  • Do not take this drug if you are a postpartum woman who is breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
  • Use with caution if you have reduced liver function.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Antihypertensive medications (result in excessive lowering of blood pressure), metoclopramide, phenothiazines (antipsychotics).

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Unknown

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B. It is not known if this drug is excreted in the breast milk, but its action would suppress normal physiologic lactation. Thus, it is not recommended during breast-feeding.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Avoid sudden changes in posture and stand up slowly while using this drug.
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