Caberol 0.5mg Tablet 1 Strip

Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist used to treat conditions associated with abnormally high levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood. It is primarily used for hyperprolactinemic disorders, including prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors (prolactinomas).

By reducing prolactin secretion, cabergoline can help restore hormonal balance and improve symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, infertility related to elevated prolactin, reduced libido, and unwanted breast milk production.

Cabergoline may also be prescribed to suppress breast milk production when medically indicated.

Uses

Cabergoline is used for the treatment of:

• Hyperprolactinemia (abnormally high prolactin levels)
• Prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors (prolactinomas)
• Prolactin-related menstrual irregularities
• Prolactin-related infertility
• Galactorrhea (unexpected breast milk production)
• Other conditions associated with excessive prolactin secretion
• Suppression of lactation when medically indicated

Medicinal Benefits

How It Works

Cabergoline stimulates dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland. Dopamine naturally suppresses prolactin secretion, and cabergoline mimics this effect.

As a result, cabergoline reduces the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland and helps normalize elevated prolactin levels.

Directions for Use

• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew it unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
• Cabergoline may generally be taken with or without food.
• Taking it with food may help reduce stomach discomfort or nausea.
• Take the medicine on the exact days and at the dose prescribed by your doctor. Cabergoline is commonly administered once or twice weekly for hyperprolactinemia.
• Maintain a consistent schedule. Using a calendar or reminder may help you remember your weekly doses.
• Do not increase, reduce, or discontinue the dose without medical advice.

Drug Warnings

Monitor Blood Pressure

Cabergoline may cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure, particularly when treatment is started or when the dose is increased. Monitor blood pressure as advised by your doctor and rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Cabergoline may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden episodes of sleepiness in some patients. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.

Behavioural Changes

Dopamine agonists, including cabergoline, have occasionally been associated with impulse-control problems. These may include unusually strong or uncontrollable urges such as gambling, excessive spending, binge eating, or increased sexual activity. Inform your doctor promptly if you or your family notice significant behavioural changes.

Regular Follow-Up

Regular medical follow-up may be required to monitor prolactin levels and, particularly during long-term treatment, assess cardiovascular, pulmonary, or other relevant health parameters.

Drug Interactions

Cabergoline may interact with certain medicines and affect their action or increase the risk of adverse effects.

Blood Pressure Medicines

Taking cabergoline with antihypertensive medicines may increase the risk of excessive blood-pressure reduction, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Dopamine Antagonists

Medicines that block dopamine receptors may reduce the effectiveness of cabergoline. Examples include:

• Metoclopramide
• Domperidone
• Phenothiazines
• Butyrophenones
• Certain antipsychotic medicines such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine

Macrolide Antibiotics

Certain macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin, may increase exposure to cabergoline and potentially increase adverse effects. Inform your doctor if you are prescribed these medicines.

Other Ergot-Derived Medicines

Concurrent use with other ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, should only be undertaken under medical supervision.

Commonly Listed Interacting Medicines

• Domperidone
• Erythromycin
• Metoclopramide
• Haloperidol
• Chlorpromazine
• Phenothiazines
• Ergotamine
• Dihydroergotamine
• Bromocriptine

Always inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are taking.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor before taking cabergoline.

If pregnancy occurs during treatment, contact your doctor promptly. Whether treatment should be continued or discontinued depends on the reason for treatment and the individual clinical situation.

Women receiving cabergoline for hyperprolactinemia may require appropriate pregnancy monitoring and medical follow-up.

Breastfeeding

Cabergoline suppresses prolactin secretion and can reduce or prevent breast milk production. Therefore, it should not be used by women who intend to establish or continue breastfeeding unless specifically prescribed by a doctor for an appropriate medical reason.

Alcohol

Alcohol may worsen dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness associated with cabergoline. Avoid or limit alcohol during treatment and follow your doctor's advice.

Liver

Cabergoline should be used cautiously in patients with liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may require individualized dosing and closer medical monitoring.

Kidney

Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease before starting cabergoline. Your doctor will determine whether any additional monitoring or dose adjustment is necessary based on your condition.

Children

Cabergoline is not routinely used in children unless specifically prescribed by a specialist for an appropriate medical condition. Pediatric use should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Some patients may experience:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort

These effects may be more noticeable when treatment is first started or after a dose increase.

Serious Side Effects

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Abnormal or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Significant allergic reactions, including rash, severe itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• New or unusual compulsive behaviours or uncontrollable urges

Long-term treatment may require monitoring for rare fibrotic complications and heart-valve abnormalities.

Hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition in which the level of prolactin in the blood is higher than normal.

Depending on the cause, elevated prolactin may lead to:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Unwanted breast milk production
• Reduced sexual desire
• Sexual dysfunction
• Reduced fertility
• Low sex-hormone levels and associated bone loss

In men, elevated prolactin may contribute to reduced libido, erectile or reproductive problems, and low testosterone.

Lifestyle Advice

• Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to reduce dizziness caused by a drop in blood pressure.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake unless your doctor has advised you to restrict fluids.
• Avoid or limit alcohol because it may worsen dizziness or drowsiness.
• If nausea occurs, taking the medicine with food may help.
• Maintain a balanced diet and regular, appropriate physical activity.
• Avoid excessive physical exertion if you experience significant dizziness.
• Follow your doctor's schedule for prolactin testing and other recommended follow-up examinations.

Special Advice

Regular monitoring may include blood pressure and serum prolactin levels. Depending on the duration of treatment, dose, and individual risk factors, your doctor may also recommend evaluation of heart or lung function.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of:

• Heart-valve disease
• Fibrotic disorders
• Liver disease
• High blood pressure
• Serious psychiatric illness
• Previous adverse reactions to dopamine agonists

Habit Forming

Cabergoline is not considered habit-forming.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep out of reach of children.