INTRODUCTION

Cabergoline under the brand name Dostinex is a powerful dopamine receptor agonist that inhibits the production of a hormone called prolactin in the pituitary gland. Prolactin is primarily responsible for breast milk production in women. Excess prolactin levels in the blood lead to a condition called hyperprolactinemia. Dostinex (Cabergoline) effectively deals with this condition by stimulating a portion of the brain that in turn prevents the production and release of prolactin hormone from the pituitary.

The history of Cabergoline can be dated back to 1981/82 when a group of scientists working for an Italian drug company Farmitalia-Carlo Erba SpA invented this useful medicine. Those scientists at that time were testing with semisynthetic derivatives of the ergot alkaloids. However, that Italian company was acquired by Pharmacia in 1992. The acquisition process ended with Pfizer taking over Pharmacia in 2002. When the US patent expiry of Cabergoline ended in late 2005, it was tagged as a generic drug.

Dostinex (Cabergoline) is meant for oral administration and contains 0.5mg of Cabergoline which is the active ingredient in this medication. There are also some inactive ingredients that contain leucine, USP, and lactose, NF.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Dostinex (Cabergoline) is indicated for the treatment of certain hormone imbalances. It is used to treat hyperprolactinemic disorders, either idiopathic or because of pituitary adenomas. By reducing the levels of prolactin hormone in the blood, Cabergoline lowers the production of breast milk, excluding the after childbirth stage or postpartum.

Dostinex may also be indicated for some other health ailments. It is used for monotherapy of Parkinson’s disease in its early stage. Cabergoline is also indicated for the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease using a combination therapy together with levodapa and a decarboxylase inhibitor like carbidopa. Dostinex is indicated for the adjunctive therapy of prolactin-producing pituitary gland tumors, known as microprolactinomas. It also addresses particular menstrual problems and fertility problems in men and women alike. Cabergoline adjusts the hormone levels in a number of diseases such as ovarian diseases.

As far as dosage of Dostinex (Cabergoline) is concerned, it is administered in 0.25mg twice a week. Dosage can be adjusted only after 4 weeks of continuous treatment, based on the prolactin level as revealed by the regular blood tests. If prolactin has been maintained at a normal level for 6 months, Cabergoline may be discontinued. The treatment can be started all over again if the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia re-emerge.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Dostinex (Cabergoline) is contraindicated in patients with hypertension or uncontrolled high blood pressure. It is also not recommended in case of pregnancy-related hypertension that includes eclampsia and preeclampsia. Cabergoline is contraindicated in patients having allergies to any type of ergot derivatives like ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

The contraindication of Dostinex (Cabergoline) is also done in patients who have medical history of cardiac valvular, pulmonary, pericardial, or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders. Patients with severely damaged liver function or cholestasis should not use generic Dostinex. It is also not to be applied to pediatric patients with no clinical experience.

STORAGE

Dostinex or Cabergoline tablets should be stored at a controlled room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F which is 20-25 degrees in Celsius scale. Keep them away from light and moisture to maintain their effectiveness.