Cabgolin - 0.5 mg

Cabgolin 0.5 mg (Cabergoline)

Cabgolin 0.5 mg tablets contain the active ingredient Cabergoline, a dopaminergic ergoline derivative with long lasting prolactin-lowering activity. It prevents lactation by decreasing the level of a hormone known as prolactin. The medicine is also used to reduce abnormal quantities of the hormone prolactin in the blood. High level of prolactin in women can cause symptoms such as missing periods, unwanted breast milk production, and can cause problems conceiving a baby. High levels of prolactin in men can cause problems such as enlarged breast and decreased sexual desire. The medicine blocks the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Cabgolin is frequently used as the first-line management of prolactinomas due to higher affinity for D₂ receptor sites.

What is Cabgolin used for?

Cabgolin 0.5 mg is used for the inhibition of physiological lactation (breast milk production) soon after delivery.

• After childbirth, when the mother cannot breastfeed her infant due to some medical reasons.
• After abortion or stillbirth.

The medicine is indicated for the treatment of a dysfunction related to hyperprolactinaemia, including oligomenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea, and anovulation. Cabgolin is also used in patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas, Empty Sella syndrome with associated hyperprolactinemia.

How does Cabgolin work?

Cabgolin contains the active ingredient cabergoline, which is a long-acting dopamine receptor antagonist with high affinity for the dopamine D₂ receptor.  Cabergoline acts by direct stimulation of the D₂-dopamine receptors on pituitary lactotrophs, thus inhibits prolactin secretion. Also, it exerts a central dopaminergic effect through D₂ receptor stimulation at oral doses higher than those effective in lowering the serum prolactin level

What does Cabgolin contain?

Cabgolin tablets, for oral administration, contain 0.5 mg of Cabergoline. The tablet contains the active ingredient Cabergoline, which belongs to a class of drugs called dopamine agonists.

Effects of alcohol on Cabgolin  

It is recommended that you avoid alcohol, as this could increase the risk of dizziness.

What are the side effects of Cabgolin?

Inform your physician if you do not feel well while consuming Cabgolin 0.5 mg tablets, even if you do not think the effects are associated with the drug or they are not mentioned in this document. Like many drugs, Cabgolin may cause side effects. If they occur, they are likely to be temporary or minor ones. However, some may be serious and require immediate medical attention. It can be difficult to tell whether adverse reactions are the result of taking the medicine, the effects of your condition or adverse effects of other drugs you may be consuming. For this reason, it is essential to tell your physician of any change in your health condition.

Tell your physician if you observe any of the following unwanted effects, and they worry you:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Nosebleed
• Tiredness
• Abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Hot flushes
• Breast pain
• Hair loss
• Rash

The side effects mentioned above are usually mild and goes away within a short period.

Inform your physician immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Aggressive behaviour
• Leg cramps
• Depression
• Breathing problems
• Change in behaviour

What medications interact with Cabgolin?

The drugs that may interact with Cagolin are:

• Medicines called macrolide
• Antipsychotic drugs
• Medicines to treat nausea and vomiting
• Azole antifungal medicines
• Ergot alkaloids

When should Cabgolin not be used?

Cabgolin 0.5 mg tablets should not be used in patients with:

• Uncontrolled blood pressure or known hypersensitivity to ergot derivatives.
• History of pericardial, retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders, or pulmonary disorders.
• Anatomical evidence of cardiac valvulopathy (a condition in which the heart valves become inflamed and stiff) of any valve as determined by pre-treatment assessment, including echocardiographic reports showing valve leaflet thickening, valve mixed restriction stenosis, and valve restriction. 
• Severely impaired liver functions of cholestasis.

How should Cabgolin be taken?

Cabgolin is to be administered by the oral route. It is recommended that the medicine is preferably taken with meals.

• For inhibition of physiological lactation: It should be taken during the first-day postpartum. The recommended dose is 1 mg as a single dose.
• For the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders: The recommended starting dose is 0.5 mg per week is given in one or two doses per week. The weekly dose of the drug should be raised preferably by adding 0.5 mg per week at monthly intervals until the required therapeutic response is attained. The dosage is usually 1 mg per week and ranges from 0.25 mg to 2 mg per week. Doses of Cabgolin up to 4.5 mg have been used in patients with hypolactenemic disorders.

How long should you take Cabgolin?

Continue taking Cabgolin 0.5 mg tablets until your physician tells you to stop.

Missed dose of Cabgolin

If you forget to take Cabgolin 0.5 mg tablet, take it when you remember. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed one and consume your next dose when you are meant to.

How should Cabgolin be stored?

• Keep Cabgolin in its original container until it is time to take it.
• Keep the tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
• Do not place the medicine in a bathroom or near a sink. Also, do not leave it in the car or on window sills.
• Keep Cabgolin where children and pets cannot reach.