Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 0.5mg
Hyperprolactinemia
Indicated for hyperprolactinemic disorders of either idiopathic or pituitary adenoma origin
Initital: 0.25 mg PO 2x/week
May increase by 0.25 mg q4Weeks (or longer) up to 1 mg 2x/week
Safety & efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (14)
- almotriptan
cabergoline, almotriptan. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
- eletriptan
cabergoline, eletriptan. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
- frovatriptan
cabergoline, frovatriptan. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
- glyceryl trinitrate pr
cabergoline decreases effects of glyceryl trinitrate pr by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- naratriptan
cabergoline, naratriptan. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
- nitroglycerin IV
cabergoline decreases effects of nitroglycerin IV by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- nitroglycerin sublingual
cabergoline decreases effects of nitroglycerin sublingual by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- nitroglycerin topical
cabergoline decreases effects of nitroglycerin topical by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- nitroglycerin transdermal
cabergoline decreases effects of nitroglycerin transdermal by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- nitroglycerin translingual
cabergoline decreases effects of nitroglycerin translingual by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- rizatriptan
cabergoline, rizatriptan. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
- sumatriptan
cabergoline, sumatriptan. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
- sumatriptan intranasal
cabergoline, sumatriptan intranasal. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
- zolmitriptan
cabergoline, zolmitriptan. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm. Sep. by 24h.
Serious - Use Alternative (72)
- amyl nitrite
amyl nitrite increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- aripiprazole
aripiprazole decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- atazanavir
atazanavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- benperidol
benperidol decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- benzphetamine
cabergoline, benzphetamine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- bromocriptine
cabergoline, bromocriptine. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The concomitant use of bromocriptine with ergot alkaloids may potentially lead to ergot toxicity; therefore the combination should be avoided.
- chlorpromazine
chlorpromazine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- clarithromycin
clarithromycin increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- clozapine
clozapine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- darunavir
darunavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- dexfenfluramine
dexfenfluramine, cabergoline. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of serotonin syndrome.
cabergoline, dexfenfluramine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension. - dexmethylphenidate
cabergoline, dexmethylphenidate. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- dextroamphetamine
cabergoline, dextroamphetamine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- diethylpropion
cabergoline, diethylpropion. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- dobutamine
cabergoline, dobutamine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- dopamine
cabergoline, dopamine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- droperidol
droperidol decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- efavirenz
efavirenz increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Competitive inhibition of CYP3A4 might lead to vasospasm and ischemia.
- ephedrine
cabergoline, ephedrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- epinephrine
cabergoline, epinephrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- fenfluramine
fenfluramine, cabergoline. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of serotonin syndrome.
cabergoline, fenfluramine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension. - fluphenazine
fluphenazine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- fosamprenavir
fosamprenavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- glyceryl trinitrate pr
glyceryl trinitrate pr increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- haloperidol
haloperidol decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- iloperidone
iloperidone decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- indinavir
indinavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- isoproterenol
cabergoline, isoproterenol. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- isosorbide dinitrate
isosorbide dinitrate increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- isosorbide mononitrate
isosorbide mononitrate increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- lisdexamfetamine
cabergoline, lisdexamfetamine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- loxapine
loxapine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- loxapine inhaled
loxapine inhaled decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- methamphetamine
cabergoline, methamphetamine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- methylenedioxymethamphetamine
cabergoline, methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- methylphenidate
cabergoline, methylphenidate. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- metoclopramide
metoclopramide decreases levels of cabergoline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Contraindicated.
metoclopramide decreases levels of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. - metoclopramide intranasal
metoclopramide intranasal, cabergoline. dopaminergic effects. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Opposing effects of metoclopramide and the interacting drug on dopamine. Potential exacerbation of symptoms (eg, parkinsonian symptoms) or decreased therapeutic effects of metoclopramide.
- midodrine
cabergoline, midodrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- nelfinavir
nelfinavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- nicorandil
nicorandil increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- nitroglycerin IV
nitroglycerin IV increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- nitroglycerin PO
nitroglycerin PO increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- nitroglycerin sublingual
nitroglycerin sublingual increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- nitroglycerin topical
nitroglycerin topical increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- nitroglycerin transdermal
nitroglycerin transdermal increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- nitroglycerin translingual
nitroglycerin translingual increases effects of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of increased SBP, angina pectoris.
- norepinephrine
cabergoline, norepinephrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- olanzapine
olanzapine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- paliperidone
paliperidone decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- perphenazine
perphenazine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- phendimetrazine
cabergoline, phendimetrazine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- phentermine
cabergoline, phentermine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- phenylephrine
cabergoline, phenylephrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- phenylephrine PO
cabergoline, phenylephrine PO. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- pimozide
pimozide decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- prochlorperazine
prochlorperazine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- promethazine
promethazine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- propylhexedrine
cabergoline, propylhexedrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- pseudoephedrine
cabergoline, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- quetiapine
quetiapine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- risperidone
risperidone decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- ritonavir
ritonavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- saquinavir
saquinavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate
cabergoline, serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- thioridazine
thioridazine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- thiothixene
thiothixene decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- tipranavir
tipranavir increases levels of cabergoline by decreasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- trifluoperazine
trifluoperazine decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
- xylometazoline
cabergoline, xylometazoline. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- yohimbine
cabergoline, yohimbine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.
- ziprasidone
ziprasidone decreases effects of cabergoline by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated.
Monitor Closely (9)
- apomorphine
apomorphine and cabergoline both increase dopaminergic effects. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bromocriptine
bromocriptine and cabergoline both increase dopaminergic effects. Use Caution/Monitor. Combining drugs may be therapeutic in patients with Parkinsonism.
- dopamine
cabergoline and dopamine both increase dopaminergic effects. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lisuride
cabergoline and lisuride both increase dopaminergic effects. Use Caution/Monitor.
lisuride, cabergoline. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. - lurasidone
lurasidone, cabergoline. Either decreases effects of the other by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Antipsychotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of anti-parkinson's agents; may increase risk if hypotension.
- methyldopa
cabergoline and methyldopa both increase dopaminergic effects. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pramipexole
cabergoline and pramipexole both increase dopaminergic effects. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ropinirole
cabergoline and ropinirole both increase dopaminergic effects. Use Caution/Monitor.
- solriamfetol
cabergoline and solriamfetol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
>10%
Nausea (27%)
Headache (26%)
Dizziness (15%)
1-10%
Asthenia (9%)
Fatigue (7%)
Abdominal pain (5%)
Somnolence (5%)
Postural hypotension (4%)
Depression (3%)
Dyspepsia (2%)
Nervousness (2%)
Abnormal vision (1%)
Breast pain (1%)
Dysmenorrhea (1%)
Hot flashes (1%)
Paresthesia (1%)
Constipation (10%)
<1%
Aggression
Fibrosis
Gastric ulcer
Valvulopathy
Gastric ulcer
Pleural effusion
Psychosis
Postmarketing Reports
Impulse control/compulsive behavior symptoms, including hypersexuality, increased libido and pathological gambling
Warnings
Contraindications
Uncontrolled hypertension
Hypersensitivity to ergot derivatives
Severe hepatic disease
Concurrent use with D2 antagonists
History of pulmonary, pericardial, or retroperitoneal fibroti disorders
Women planning to nurse
History of cardiac valvular disorders as suggested by anatomical evidence of valvulopathy of any valve, determined by pretreatment evaluation including echocardiographic demonstration of valve leaflet thickening, valve restriction, or mixed valve restriction-stenosis
Cautions
Initial doses >1 mg may produce orthostatic hypotension
Concomitant antihypertensives
May cause somnolence; avoid performing tasks that require mental alertness
Reportedly can cause cardiac damage
May cause orthostatic hypotension; avoid concurrent use with antihypertensives
Rare cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis reported
Hepatic impairment
Inhibits lactation
Impulse control/compulsive behaviors reported in patients receiving therapy; this has been generally reversible upon reduction of dose or treatment discontinuation; prescribers should consider dose reduction or stopping medication if a patient develops such urges while receiving therapy
Valvular disease
- All patients should undergo a cardiovascular evaluation, including echocardiogram to assess the potential presence of valvular disease; if valvular disease is detected, the patient should not be treated with cabergoline
- Following treatment initiation, clinical and diagnostic monitoring (for example, chest x-ray, CT scan and cardiac echocardiogram) should be conducted to assess the risk of cardiac valvulopathy
- Discontinue if an echocardiogram reveals new valvular regurgitation, valvular restriction or valve leaflet thickening
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; not recommended
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Long acting dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors, thereby inhibiting prolactin release
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life:63-69 hr
Peak Plasma: 30-70 pg/mL following single oral doses of 0.5-1.5 mg
Excretion: Urine (22%); feces (60%)
Protein Bound: 40-42%
Peak plasma time: 2-3 hr
Metabolism: Extensively hydrolyzed in the liver
Renal Clearance: 0.08 L/min
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
cabergoline oral - | 0.5 mg tablet | ![]() | |
cabergoline oral - | 0.5 mg tablet | ![]() | |
cabergoline oral - | 0.5 mg tablet | ![]() | |
cabergoline oral - | 0.5 mg tablet | ![]() | |
cabergoline oral - | 0.5 mg tablet | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
cabergoline oral
CABERGOLINE - ORAL
(ka-BER-goe-leen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dostinex
USES: This medication is used to treat high levels of prolactin hormone in your body. High levels of prolactin in women can cause symptoms such as unwanted breast milk and missed periods and can cause difficulty becoming pregnant. High levels of prolactin in men can cause symptoms such as enlarged breasts and decreased sexual ability/desire. Cabergoline is an ergot medication and works by blocking the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a week.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment (prolactin levels). Your doctor will start you at a low dose and slowly increase your dose over several months to help decrease side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to take the medication.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: cough that doesn't go away, mental/mood changes (such as nervousness), unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges), vision changes, painful menses, breast pain, symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain).Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, lower back/flank pain).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cabergoline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ergot medications (such as ergotamine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart valve disease, abnormal scarring/thickening of the lining in the lungs/heart/behind the abdomen (pulmonary/pericardial/retroperitoneal fibrosis).This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. This medication may affect breast milk production. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: lorcaserin, metoclopramide, prochlorperazine.Other medications can affect the removal of cabergoline from your body, which may affect how cabergoline works. Examples include certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), cobicistat, HIV protease inhibitors (such as saquinavir), ritonavir, among others.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations).
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab and/or medical tests (such as prolactin levels, EKG) should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised November 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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