Cabergoline is a potent dopamine agonist prescribed to treat disorders associated with high levels of the hormone prolactin. At a 0.5 mg strength, cabergoline tablets help lower prolactin secretion by stimulating dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland, thereby suppressing the excessive release of prolactin. This makes it useful for conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, which can cause menstrual disturbances, infertility and inappropriate breast milk production. By normalizing hormone levels, cabergoline can restore ovulation in women and improve testosterone production in men. It is sometimes also used off-label to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease due to its dopaminergic activity.
Therapy with cabergoline usually starts at a low dose—often 0.25 mg twice per week—and may be gradually increased under medical supervision. Tablets should be swallowed with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Because cabergoline acts over several days, dosing more frequently than prescribed can lead to side effects. Patients undergo regular blood tests to monitor prolactin levels and adjust their dose accordingly. For women with prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors, cabergoline can not only lower prolactin but may also shrink tumor size. People taking this medication should avoid alcohol and inform their doctor of any other medications they use, particularly those affecting blood pressure or mental health.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and constipation. Some individuals experience postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), which can lead to fainting, so rising slowly from a seated or lying position is advised. Less frequently, cabergoline may cause headaches, nasal congestion, or mood changes. Rare complications include heart valve abnormalities with long-term high-dose use, so periodic echocardiograms may be recommended. Patients should report any shortness of breath or swelling in the lower limbs to their healthcare provider. Overall, cabergoline is a well-established therapy for prolactin disorders when used as directed. For more details, consult your physician and visit Cabergoline to learn more about this medication.
Therapy with cabergoline usually starts at a low dose—often 0.25 mg twice per week—and may be gradually increased under medical supervision. Tablets should be swallowed with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Because cabergoline acts over several days, dosing more frequently than prescribed can lead to side effects. Patients undergo regular blood tests to monitor prolactin levels and adjust their dose accordingly. For women with prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors, cabergoline can not only lower prolactin but may also shrink tumor size. People taking this medication should avoid alcohol and inform their doctor of any other medications they use, particularly those affecting blood pressure or mental health.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and constipation. Some individuals experience postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), which can lead to fainting, so rising slowly from a seated or lying position is advised. Less frequently, cabergoline may cause headaches, nasal congestion, or mood changes. Rare complications include heart valve abnormalities with long-term high-dose use, so periodic echocardiograms may be recommended. Patients should report any shortness of breath or swelling in the lower limbs to their healthcare provider. Overall, cabergoline is a well-established therapy for prolactin disorders when used as directed. For more details, consult your physician and visit Cabergoline to learn more about this medication.
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