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Overview: Cabergoline is used to treat high levels of the hormone prolactin. It may work by preventing prolactin from being released by the pituitary gland. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. Serious side effects may include low blood pressure upon standing, unusual or compulsive behaviors, and heart valve problems. Before taking cabergoline, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is cabergoline used for?

Cabergoline is commonly used to treat high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia).

Cabergoline may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does cabergoline work (mechanism of action)?

Cabergoline may work to lower prolactin levels by reducing the release of the hormone prolactin from your pituitary gland.

How is cabergoline supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dostinex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 mg oral tablets

How should I store cabergoline?

Cabergoline should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cabergoline?

The most common side effects of cabergoline are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Low blood pressure upon standing (see below)

There may be other side effects of cabergoline that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cabergoline?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cabergoline are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cabergoline may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cabergoline and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension). Cabergoline may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Cabergoline can cause some people to have strong, unusual, and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your health care provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.

Heart Valve Problems. Cabergoline can cause heart valve problems, which can affect how blood is pumped through and out of your heart. Your health care provider may do certain tests before and during treatment with cabergoline to make sure you do not have any heart valve problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Breathing problems, including cough or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Swelling in your arms or legs

Tissue Changes. Cabergoline may rarely cause a buildup of tissue or scarring (fibrosis) around the lungs, heart, stomach area, or other organs. Tell your health care provider right away or get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough that does not go away 
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling in the arms or legs
  • Tenderness in your stomach area 
  • Pain in your lower abdomen or side
  • Trouble peeing or blood in your pee

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cabergoline?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cabergoline.

  • Cabergoline
  • Dostinex
  • Ergot derivatives, which are medicines that may be used to treat Parkinson’s disease, migraine, and other conditions
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cabergoline products they stock.

Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure. Cabergoline should not be taken if you have high blood pressure that is not controlled. 

Heart Valve Problems. Cabergoline should not be taken if you have or have had problems with your heart valves.

Tissue Buildup or Scarring (Fibrosis). Cabergoline should not be taken if you have or have had a condition that causes tissue buildup or scarring (fibrosis) around organs such as your lungs, stomach area, or heart.

What should I know about cabergoline before using it?

Do not take cabergoline unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share cabergoline with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep cabergoline out of the reach of children.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including heart checkups and blood tests, before and during treatment with cabergoline. This will help your health care provider check that it is safe for you to take cabergoline.

What should I tell my health care provider before using cabergoline?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cabergoline is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • High or low blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Heart problems
  • Tissue or scarring problems (fibrosis or a fibrotic disorder)

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cabergoline may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cabergoline, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cabergoline could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Cabergoline is generally not recommended if you have high blood pressure during or after pregnancy, including preeclampsia or eclampsia. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take cabergoline while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if cabergoline passes into breast milk. Cabergoline may reduce the amount of breast milk your body makes. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop cabergoline.

Interactions

Does cabergoline interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cabergoline and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cabergoline. The risk of dizziness, tiredness, and low blood pressure may increase if you drink alcohol while taking cabergoline.

Does cabergoline interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cabergoline.

  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • A butyrophenone, such as haloperidol (Haldol), or a phenothiazine, such as chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine (Compro and others), which are medicines that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting
  • Metoclopramide (Reglan and others), which is a medicine for certain stomach problems
  • A medicine for high blood pressure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cabergoline. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cabergoline?

If you or someone else has used too much cabergoline, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cabergoline?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.