Dostinex (Cabergoline)

What is Dostinex?

Dostinex (cabergoline) is an ergot medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as dopamine receptor antagonists.

What is Dostinex used for?

Dostinex is indicated for the treatment of high levels of prolactin hormone in the body. The condition is known as hyperprolactinemia and causes a hormone imbalance.

High levels of prolactin in women can cause difficulty becoming pregnant or could also cause symptoms such as missed menstrual periods and/or unwanted breast milk.  High levels of prolactin in men can cause symptoms such as enlarged breasts and decreased sexual drive.

How does Dostinex work?

Dostinex works by first reducing and then blocking the release of a hormone called prolactin, from the pituitary gland.

How to use Dostinex

Dostinex should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Dostinex is usually taken twice a week, for a period of six months. It can be taken with or without food. Doctors generally start with a low dose and gradually increase the amount of weekly dose in order to help decrease the side effects from the medicine.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis, while taking Dostinex.

Dostinex warnings and precautions

Do not use Dostinex if you are allergic to cabergoline, or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension, eclampsia, preeclampsia, an allergy to ergot medicines such as ergonovine (Ergotrate), dihydroergotamine (Migranal Nasal Spray, D.H.E. 45), methylergonovine (Methergine), or ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot).

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a breathing disorder, heart or liver disease. Pregnant and lactating women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Dostinex dose?

If you have missed your Dostinex dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Dostinex overdose?

If you have taken a Dostinex overdose you should seek medical attention.

Dostinex interactions

Before taking Dostinex, consult your doctor if you take metoclopramide (Reglan); a diuretic (water pill) such as bumetanide (Bumex), amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, HCTZ, Hyzaar, Vasoretic, Lopressor, Zestoretic), furosemide (Lasix), indapamide (Lozol), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), metolazone (Mykrox, Zarxolyn), triamterene (Maxzide, Dyrenium, Dyazide), or torsemide (Demadex); an ACE inhibitor such as captopril (Capoten), benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), enalapril (Vasotec), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), perindopril (Aceon), or trandolapril (Mavik); a calcium channel blocker such as nimodipine (Nimotop), diltiazem (Cartia, Tiazac, Cardizem), nisoldipine (Sular), amlodipine (Norvasc), nicardipine (Cardene), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), or verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Covera, Verelan); a beta-blocker

Dostinex side effects

Dostinex side effects include hives, cough, breathing trouble, fainting, light-headedness; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Dostinex, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Headache, nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, hot flashes, numbness or tingly feeling are some less serious side effects of Dostinex.