Cabergoline decreases the production of prolactin, a hormone that controls some functions in the body, including breast milk production. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Cabergoline decreases the production of prolactin, a hormone that controls some functions in the body, including breast milk production. It can be used to stop breast milk production, or to treat abnormally high prolactin levels in the body.

How should I take or use this medication?

Take this medication with or after food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients in this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• very high blood pressure
• problems with your heart valve
• excess scar tissues that affects your abdomen, heart or lungs
• liver disease 

While you are on this medication, you might find it difficult to control some behaviour such as gambling, sexual thoughts, eating too much or spending too much. Please inform your doctor if you or your caregivers notice any of these behaviours. 

If you are taking this medication for a long time, your doctor may need to check your heart and lungs and do blood tests regularly to make sure you do not suffer from the side effects of the medication. 

What are some common side effects of this medication?

​Generally, this medication has been well tolerated. Side effects usually have been mild and may go away as the body adjusts to the medication. 

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness. Be careful when driving or operating machinery. Do not take alcohol and other medications that make you less alert. 
• Low blood pressure when changing positions from a lying to sitting position or from a sitting to standing position. You will feel giddy or light-headed if this happens. However, the symptoms are usually not serious and last only for a short while. You can prevent this by getting up from a sitting or lying position slowly.
• Headache
• Nausea
• Constipation, stomach upset, abdominal pain
• Feeling weak

If you have any concerns regarding the side effects of Cabergoline, discuss with your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking medication on your own.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid taking alcohol and other medications that make you less alert.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin. 

Disclaimer

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated Jul 2022