Dostinex (Cabergoline)

Dostinex (Cabergoline) Medication Information

Uses

Dostinex is used for the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders. 

Dosage

The oral tablets are available in 0.5 mg strength.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Dostinex include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Somnolence
• Breast pain

For a full list of side effects that apply to you, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist

Precautions

Initial doses higher than 1.0 mg may cause low blood pressure upon standing. Special attention and monitoring should be exercised when administering Dostinex with other blood pressure-lowering medications.

Since cabergoline is metabolized in the liver, caution should be used, and careful monitoring exercised when administering Dostinex to patients with liver impairment.

Dostinex is not indicated for the suppression of lactation.

Pathological gambling, increased libido, and hypersexuality has been reported in patients treated with dopamine agonists including cabergoline.

Interactions

Common medications that interact with Dostinex are listed:

• Phenothiazines
• Butyrophenones
• Thioxanthenes
• Metoclopramide 

For more information, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (68-77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• The initiation dose of Dostinex Tablets recommended is 0.25 mg twice a week.
• Dosing can be increased by 0.25 mg twice weekly up to 1 mg twice a week based on the patient’s serum prolactin level.
• Dosage increases should not occur more rapidly than every 4 weeks so that the physician can assess the patient’s response to each dosage level.

Cabergoline FAQs

Should this be given with food?

Can be given with or without food

Can I take this if I am pregnant?

Dopamine agonists, in general, should not be used in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if needed.

How quickly does Dostinex work?

The maximum effect was seen within 3 hours of the dose. 

What is Dostinex used for?

Dostinex is used to treat a condition where there is too much prolactin in the body. 

When should I take Dostinex?

This medication is taking twice a week and can be taken with or without food.

How effective is Dostinex?

Menses were restored in 77% of patients treated with Dostinex compared to 70% of those treated with bromocriptine.

Related Drugs

• Pergolide 
• Lisuride
• Quinagolide
• Bromocriptine

Reference:

Dostinex {package insert}. New York, NY: Pfizer; 2011.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020664s011lbl.pdf