cabergoline at a glance
Medicine class
Ergot-derived dopamine agonist and prolactin inhibitor
Main uses
Hyperprolactinaemic disorders and inhibition or suppression of physiological lactation
Taking it
Take orally with or after food to improve tolerability
Long-term monitoring
Prolactin response, cardiac valves and symptoms of fibrotic disease may need monitoring
What is cabergoline used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Problems caused by raised prolactin, including absent or infrequent periods, lack of ovulation and inappropriate milk production.
Hyperprolactinaemia caused by a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma, idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia or empty sella syndrome.
Preventing physiological lactation after childbirth, stillbirth or pregnancy loss when breastfeeding is not undertaken or is medically contraindicated.
Suppressing established physiological lactation.
How does cabergoline work?
Cabergoline stimulates dopamine D2 receptors on prolactin-producing pituitary cells. This reduces prolactin release and can restore gonadal function, reduce inappropriate milk production and shrink some prolactinomas.
cabergoline preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
How to take cabergoline
Take cabergoline exactly as prescribed. Swallow the tablet with or after food, which can reduce nausea and vomiting.
Rise slowly from sitting or lying because cabergoline can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness.
Do not drive or operate machinery if drowsy or affected by sudden sleep episodes.
Do not stop long-term treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
cabergoline side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, indigestion or abdominal discomfort
- Headache, dizziness or vertigo
- Tiredness, weakness or drowsiness
- Constipation or vomiting
- Low blood pressure, including dizziness on standing
- Hot flushes, breast pain or depression
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathlessness, persistent cough, chest pain, swollen legs, faintness or palpitations that could indicate cardiac, pulmonary or fibrotic disease
- Severe persistent headache, visual disturbance, chest pain, seizure or neurological symptoms after childbirth
- Sudden sleep episodes
- Hallucinations, delusions, psychosis or markedly unusual thoughts
- New uncontrollable gambling, spending, eating or sexual urges
- Rapid allergic symptoms such as widespread rash, wheezing or swelling
cabergoline in pregnancy
Cabergoline can restore fertility before periods return. Contact the endocrinology or prescribing team promptly if pregnancy occurs. Most people with a microprolactinoma are advised to stop after pregnancy is confirmed, but some with a macroprolactinoma may need specialist-led continuation and monitoring. Discuss planned conception in advance because pregnancy data remain limited.
cabergoline while breastfeeding
Cabergoline suppresses milk production and is generally unsuitable when breastfeeding is intended. People requiring it for a prolactinoma should discuss treatment and feeding plans with their endocrinology and maternity teams.
cabergoline interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Dopamine antagonists, including antipsychotics and metoclopramide
They can oppose cabergoline's prolactin-lowering action; the selected product contraindicates co-administration with antipsychotic medicines.
Domperidone
It may counteract cabergoline's dopamine-mediated effect.
Macrolide antibiotics, including erythromycin and clarithromycin
They can increase cabergoline exposure and adverse effects.
Common questions about cabergoline
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can cabergoline shrink a prolactinoma?
Yes. It can reduce the size of some prolactin-secreting pituitary tumours; response is followed with blood tests and sometimes repeat imaging.
Should cabergoline be taken with food?
Yes. Taking it with or after food can reduce nausea and vomiting.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.