Dostinex (Cabergoline)
Brand Names: Generic only. No brands available.Related Medications: Dihydroergotamine (Migranal), Methylergonovine (Methergine), Caffeine / Ergotamine, Bromocriptine (Parlodel), Rimantadine (Flumadine)
Dostinex is often taken by people to treat different hyperprolactinemic disorders and high prolactin levels in their blood. It’s important to learn more about the side effects of this medicine and other details, such as precautions and uses.
Basically, it’s a man-made ergot-derived medicine that has an impact on dopamine receptors in a pituitary gland in the brain. It works by stimulating D2 receptors that prevent the production of prolactin, and this medication is quite effective while having fewer adverse effects. Another great thing is that it has a long half-life, so that patients can take it twice a week. That’s why the FDA approved Dostinex 10 years ago.
Like all the other meds, the intake of Dostinex is associated with certain side effects, and the most common ones include:
In rare cases patients may develop such unwanted symptoms as:
Nowadays, Dostinex can be found in the form of oral pills that contain 0.5 mg, and they must be stored properly. This medication is well-tolerated when taken with meals, and patients need to be aware of the right dosage. If they need to treat hyperprolactinemia, their starting dosage is 0.25 mg taken 2 times a week, and it can be increased gradually according to their medical condition. Once their prolactin levels are normal for about six months, people can discontinue the intake of Dostinex, so that they should be monitored to define whether this step is recommended.
The most important thing is that Dostinex is connected with ergot alkaloids, so that their drug combinations are not recommended because of people’s increased risk of having side effects and other dangers. These meds are often taken to relieve migraine headaches, and their use should be discontinued while undergoing this kind of treatment. Besides, Dostinex can’t be taken with any dopamine blockers and antagonists because they may decrease or stop its positive effects. For example, patients shouldn’t take thioxanthenes, Reglan and phenothiazines with this medication. To avoid other dangerous drug combinations, it’s advisable to make a list of other pills and herbal supplements that must be taken and show it to doctors. When it comes to pregnant and nursing women, Dostinex should be used only when it’s clearly needed because of possible risks both to babies and female patients. They need to talk to qualified physicians to discuss the pros and cons of this treatment and be on the safe side.
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