Cabergoline
Uses
Cabergoline is prescribed for a number of different medical conditions such as, treatment of inconsistent breast milk production, treatment for prolactinoma(non-cancerous swelling in the pituitary gland) which causes infertility, breast changes, and headaches. Cabergoline is used to treat sexual problems, and bone loss (in women who are not breast-feeding or men). Cabergoline is also used to treat Parkinson's disease.
How it Works
Cabergoline works by preventing the production of a chemical called prolactin which is involved in a number of processes within the body, including milk production after childbirth. Cabergoline therefore helps in constant breast milk production when it is needed. Cabergoline works by reducing the production of prolactin and helps in the long-term treatment of people with high levels of prolactin(People with Prolactinomas) which causes swelling in the pituitary gland, this directly causes symptoms such as infertility, breast changes, and headaches. Cabergoline also helps in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Cabergoline increases and encourages the release of Dopamine which is used by the brain, brain cells normally pass messages that control the muscles of the body, down nerves in the spinal cord by producing a chemical called dopamine. Damaged cells cant produce dopamine thus directly causing nerve messages to become slow or stop, this causes parkinsons disease which is then treated by Cabergoline which helps in the release of Dopamine and ease the symptoms.
Common Side effects
Patients who take Cabergoline may suffer from such side effects; Nausea, Vomiting, Heartburn, Constipation, Dizziness, Breast pain, Painful menstrual periods, Burning, Numbness, Tingling in the arms,hands, legs, or feet Breathlessness, Headache, Fainting, Vaginal inflammation, Sleepiness, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Nasal congestion, Dyspepsia, Fatigue, Angina pectoris, Hallucination, Diarrhoea, Vertigo, Sleep disturbance, Confusion, Peripheral edema, Gastritis, Nose bleed, Increased libido
Introduction
Cabergoline is generally used for the treatment of disorders caused by high levels of prolactin hormone in the body. The secretion of prolactin hormone may increase in the body due to tumours in the pituitary gland. This medicine blocks the secretion of prolactin hormone from the pituitary gland. Excess secretion of prolactin hormone may result in menstrual and fertility problems in women. Excess prolactin hormone in men may cause enlarged breasts and decreased sexual desire and ability. The tablets can be used to cure these problems in men and women.
Use
Cabergoline is used to treat excess prolactin hormone secretion in the body. This can cause unwanted breast milk in women. Women may also miss their menstrual cycle due to the excess secretion. It is recommended to use the tablets at least twice a week on an empty stomach, early in the morning. The tablets are to be consumed orally. The tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to light and moisture.
Dosage and administration
A patient may be advised not to use too much of this drug as side effects such as dizziness, hallucinations, and mood changes may occur. In case a patient misses a dose, it is better to skip the missed dose and resume the regular routine. Never try a double dose in case you miss one. For adults, a dosage of 0.25 mg is often consumed orally twice a week. The dosage may be increased to 1 mg, twice a week depending on the patient's serum prolactin level and as advised by the doctor. The increase in dosage may occur once every 4 weeks.
Warning
It is always advisable to inform your doctor in case you are suffering from any form of allergies from food, perfume, or dyes. Also, if you notice any unusual reactions that develop while using this medication, consult your doctor immediately. The various precautions that need to be taken are as follows:This medicine should not be given to patients having very high blood pressure.People suffering from any heart, lungs, or kidney disorders must avoid using this drug. Same is the case with patients suffering from any liver ailments.Consult your doctor prior to using this drug if you are on herbal supplements.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before consuming the medicine.Avoid taking this tablet with any other medicine.
Side effects
The side effects from the intake of this tablet include:Weakness and lack of strength.Excess gas in stomach and intestines resulting in acidic or sour stomach.Difficulty in passing out stool or having trouble with bowel movement.Loss of appetite.Severe headache and dizziness.Dry mouth.Stiffness in muscles and difficulty to move.Difficulty sleeping.Nausea and vomiting.Fast and irregular heartbeat or pulse.