Cabergoline

Cabergoline is indicated for the inhibition of physiological lactation.

Cabergoline prevents physiological lactation by inhibiting prolactin secretion.

In controlled clinical trials, cabergoline given as a single 1 mg administration during the first day post-partum, was effective in inhibiting milk secretion, as well as breast engorgement and pain in 70-90% of the women. Less than 5% of women experienced rebound breast symptomatology during the third post-partum week (which was usually mild in severity).

Cabergoline is indicated for the treatment of dysfunctions associated with hyperprolactinaemia, including amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, anovulation and galactorrhoea. Cabergoline is indicated in patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas (micro- and macroprolactinomas), idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia, or empty sella syndrome with associated hyperprolactinaemia, which represent the basic underlying pathologies contributing to the above clinical manifestations.

On chronic therapy, cabergoline at doses ranging between 1 and 2 mg per week, was effective in normalising serum prolactin levels in approximately 84% of hyperprolactinaemic patients. Regular cycles were resumed in 83% of previously amennorhoeic women. Restoration of ovulation was documented in 89% of women with progesterone levels monitored during the luteal phase. Galactorrhoea disappeared in 90% of cases showing this symptom before therapy. Reduction in tumour size was obtained in 50-90% of female and male patients with micro- or macroprolactinoma.

Cabergoline is indicated for suppression of already established lactation:

1. After parturition, when the mother elects not to breast feed the infant or when breast feeding is contraindicated due to medical reasons related to the mother or the new-born.
2. After stillbirth or abortion.

Cabergoline suppresses physiological lactation by inhibiting prolactin secretion.

Suppression of milk secretion and relief of breast engorgement and pain are obtained in approximately 85% of nursing women treated with a total dose of 1 mg cabergoline given in four divided doses over two days. Rebound breast symptomatology after day 10 is uncommon (approximately 2% of cases).