Cabergoline (Cabanex)

Category: Dopamine agonist
Form: Oral tablets

Uses:

• Treatment of hyperprolactinemia (excess prolactin levels), which can cause infertility, menstrual disorders, or galactorrhea.

• Management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas).

• Sometimes used off-label in Parkinson’s disease as an adjunct therapy.

Mechanism of Action:

• Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine D2 receptor agonist.

• Dopamine inhibits prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland.

• By stimulating dopamine receptors, cabergoline reduces prolactin levels and helps normalize reproductive and hormonal function.

Administration:

• Taken orally, usually once or twice weekly, which is convenient compared to other dopamine agonists.

• Dosage is adjusted gradually depending on response and tolerance.

Side Effects:

• Common: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fatigue.

• Cardiovascular: low blood pressure (especially postural hypotension), palpitations.

• Neuropsychiatric: mood changes, insomnia, rarely hallucinations.

• Long-term high doses: potential risk of cardiac valvulopathy (valve thickening/fibrosis).

Precautions:

• Baseline echocardiogram may be recommended before long-term use to check heart valves.

• Use cautiously in patients with low blood pressure or psychiatric illness.

• Avoid in pregnancy unless prescribed for specific indications.

• Should not be used during breastfeeding, as it suppresses lactation.

Summary:
Cabergoline (Cabanex) is a dopamine agonist mainly used to treat hyperprolactinemia and pituitary adenomas by lowering prolactin levels. It is taken orally once or twice weekly, making it convenient compared to other drugs. While generally well tolerated, it can cause nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure, and, rarely, heart valve problems with long-term use, so careful monitoring is advised.