Dostinex (Cabergoline)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - February 2, 2021
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
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.