Cab
Generic Name
Cabergoline
Manufacturer
Multiple manufacturers (Generic)
Country
Global
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
cab 5 mg tablet | ৳ 5.02 | ৳ 50.20 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Cabergoline is a dopamine receptor agonist used to treat hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin in the blood), which can lead to menstrual problems, infertility, bone loss, and unwanted breast milk production. It works by decreasing the amount of prolactin the body makes. The drug ID 'cab-5-mg-tablet' usually refers to Cabergoline 0.5 mg tablet, as 5 mg is an unusually high dose.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initially 0.25 mg twice weekly. Dosage may be increased by 0.25 mg twice weekly increments up to a maximum of 1 mg twice weekly, based on serum prolactin levels and tolerability. Maintenance dose typically 0.25 mg to 1 mg twice weekly.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment required, but monitor for side effects.
Renal_impairment
No specific dosage adjustment required in patients with renal impairment. Use with caution.
How to Take
Cabergoline tablets should be taken orally, usually twice a week. It can be taken with or without food. To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, it is recommended to take it with food.
Mechanism of Action
Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist with a high affinity for D2 receptors. It works by directly stimulating D2-dopamine receptors on pituitary lactotrophs, thereby inhibiting prolactin secretion.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Prolactin-lowering effect generally observed within 3 hours after administration.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in the feces (60%), with a smaller amount in the urine (22%) within 10 days.
Half life
Approximately 63-68 hours in healthy volunteers and 79-115 hours in patients with hyperprolactinemia.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; peak plasma concentrations achieved within 0.5 to 4 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver; primary metabolic pathway involves hydrolysis of the acylurea bond.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cabergoline or any ergot derivative
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- History of pulmonary, pericardial, or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders
- Cardiac valvulopathy (as shown by echocardiography)
Drug Interactions
Antihypertensive agents
Use with caution due to potential for orthostatic hypotension.
Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin)
May increase cabergoline plasma levels.
Dopamine antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes, metoclopramide)
May reduce the prolactin-lowering effects of cabergoline.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose are mainly related to dopamine receptor overstimulation (e.g., nausea, vomiting, gastric complaints, orthostatic hypotension, confusion, psychosis, hallucinations). Management: General supportive measures, including monitoring blood pressure, and if necessary, administer a dopamine antagonist (e.g., metoclopramide).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed. Adequate human studies are lacking, but animal studies show some adverse effects. Lactation: Not recommended as it inhibits lactation and is excreted in breast milk. Should not be used during breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cabergoline or any ergot derivative
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- History of pulmonary, pericardial, or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders
- Cardiac valvulopathy (as shown by echocardiography)
Drug Interactions
Antihypertensive agents
Use with caution due to potential for orthostatic hypotension.
Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin)
May increase cabergoline plasma levels.
Dopamine antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes, metoclopramide)
May reduce the prolactin-lowering effects of cabergoline.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose are mainly related to dopamine receptor overstimulation (e.g., nausea, vomiting, gastric complaints, orthostatic hypotension, confusion, psychosis, hallucinations). Management: General supportive measures, including monitoring blood pressure, and if necessary, administer a dopamine antagonist (e.g., metoclopramide).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed. Adequate human studies are lacking, but animal studies show some adverse effects. Lactation: Not recommended as it inhibits lactation and is excreted in breast milk. Should not be used during breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA)
Patent Status
Generic available, patent expired for original formulation
Clinical Trials
Extensively studied in clinical trials for hyperprolactinemia, demonstrating efficacy in normalizing prolactin levels and restoring fertility. Studies also assess long-term safety, especially concerning cardiac valvulopathy.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum prolactin levels (periodically)
- Blood pressure (regularly)
- Echocardiogram (before and during long-term therapy, due to risk of valvulopathy)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize slow dose titration to minimize side effects.
- Educate patients on symptoms of fibrotic reactions and the need for regular follow-up, including echocardiograms.
- Consider baseline echocardiogram before initiating long-term therapy.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor, usually twice a week.
- Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.
- Report any unusual symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, or swelling in ankles immediately to your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Cabergoline may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or sudden onset of sleep. Patients should be warned not to drive or engage in activities where impaired alertness could put them or others at risk.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you, due to potential dizziness or drowsiness.
- Avoid alcohol as it can exacerbate side effects.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall well-being.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.