This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Dostinex Advanced Consumer Information
DOSTINEX
CABERGOLINE (Systemic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
- In the U.S.-
- Dostinex
Category of Dostinex
- Dopamine agonist
- antihyperprolactinemic
Description of Dostinex
Cabergoline (ca-BER-goe-leen) is used to treat different types of medical problems that occur when too much of the hormone prolactin is produced. It can be used to treat certain menstrual problems, fertility problems in men and women, and pituitary prolactinomas (tumors of the pituitary gland).
It works by stopping the brain from making and releasing the prolactin hormone from the pituitary. Cabergoline use is usually stopped when prolactin levels are normal for 6 months. It may be given again if symptoms of too much prolactin occur again.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
- Oral
- Tablets (U.S.)
Before Using Dostinex
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cabergoline, the following should be considered:
Allergies- Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cabergoline or other ergot alkaloid medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy- Cabergoline has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. However, studies in animals have shown that cabergoline causes a decrease in successful pregnancies and other problems. This is because prolactin works differently in animal pregnancies than it does in human pregnancies. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding- It is not known whether cabergoline passes into the breast milk. Cabergoline should not be used by breast-feeding women or women planning to breast-feed within a short period of time. Reducing the amount of available prolactin is likely to stop the release of breast milk in breast-feeding women.
Children- Studies of this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of cabergoline in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults- Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of cabergoline in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines- Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking cabergoline, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Antipsychotic medicines (medicines for mental illness) or
- Metoclopramide (e.g., Reglan)
Cabergoline may stop these medicines from working properly and require a change in dose for these medicines
Other medical problems- The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of cabergoline. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- High blood pressure, untreated or
- High blood pressure of pregnancy (or history of)-Cabergoline usually decreases blood pressure but at times it may increase blood pressure and worsen these conditions
- Liver disease, mild to severe-Cabergoline may worsen this condition; a lower dose of cabergoline may be required
Proper Use of Dostinex
Do not take more or less of it than your doctor ordered.
Dosing- The dose of cabergoline will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of cabergoline. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For disorders of high prolactin levels or pituitary tumors:
- Adults-0.25 mg two times a week. Dose may be increased every four weeks as needed, according to body prolactin levels, up to 1 mg two times a week.
- Children-Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
Missed dose- If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible within 1 or 2 days. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, check with your doctor to see if you can double your dose.
Storage- To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places.
- Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using Dostinex
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits while you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other jobs that require you to be alert .
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help.
Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant. You and your doctor should discuss whether you should continue to take this medicine during pregnancy.
Check with your doctor right away if you have symptoms of fainting, hallucinations, lightheadedness, stuffy nose, or racing heart.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.