Cabergoline .5 mg Tablet, 8-count
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Ergot Derivative class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Cabergoline is used to treat hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin, a natural substance that helps breast-feeding women produce milk but can cause symptoms such as infertility, sexual problems, and bone loss in women who are not breast-feeding or men). Cabergoline is in a class of medications called dopamine receptor agonists. It works by decreasing the amount of prolactin in the body.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Prolactin is a hormone your pituitary gland makes — it's best known for triggering breast milk production. When prolactin is too high outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding, it can...
- What exactly is cabergoline treating — what does 'high prolactin' mean for me?
- Prolactin levels can start to drop within a few weeks of starting cabergoline, though it may take longer for symptoms like irregular periods to fully improve. Your dose will be adj...
- How soon will I feel better, and how long will I need to take it?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Cabergoline — tap one for details:
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💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII XF417D3PSL
Anhydrous citric acid is a sour, crystalline powder derived from citric acid with water removed. In medicines, it acts as a buffer to control pH, adds tartness to improve taste, and helps tablets disintegrate.
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UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
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UNII M28OL1HH48
Croscarmellose sodium is a plant-based substance derived from cellulose. It acts as a disintegrant, helping tablets and capsules break down quickly in the digestive system so the medicine can be absorbed.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
4 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $1.346 | $10.76 / 8 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $2.60 | $20.82 / 8 tablets |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $3.37 | $26.97 / 8 tablets |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J8515 | $0.302 / J8515 unit | — |
Where does this data come from?
🧾 Billing & reimbursement
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabergoline .5 mg 00093-5420-88 | Teva | 8 tablets | $1.346 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 23155-0823-73 | Heritage | 8 tablets | $1.346 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mgthis 50742-0118-08 | Ingenus | 8 tablets | $1.346 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 59762-1005-01 | Mylan | 8 tablets | $1.346 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 69238-2693-01 | Amneal | 8 tablets | $1.346 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 70069-0824-08 | Somerset | 8 tablets | $1.346 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 70512-0860-08 | SOLA | 8 tablets | $1.346 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 50090-3157-00 | A-S | 8 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 50090-5834-00 | A-S | 8 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 50090-6596-00 | A-S | 8 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 50090-7642-00 | A-S | 8 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 64380-0202-01 | Strides | 8 tablets | — | AB | Discontinued | — |
| Cabergoline .5 mg 27808-0315-01 | Cranbury | 8 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50742-0118-08 You're viewing this | 8 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50742-118-08) | 2018-08-09 | Active |
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cabergoline tablets are an ergot derivative indicated for the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders, either idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas in adults. Limitations of Use Avoid use of cabergoline tablets for the inhibition or suppression of postpartum physiologic lactation because of the risk of serious adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Cabergoline tablets are an ergot derivative indicated for the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders, either idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas in adults.
( 1 ) Limitations of Use Avoid use of cabergoline tablets for the inhibition or suppression of postpartum physiologic lactation because of the risk of serious adverse reactions. ( 5.4 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Before initiating cabergoline tablets evaluate for valvular heart disease, including with an echocardiogram. If valvular disease is detected, do not administer cabergoline tablets. ( 2.1 ) Recommended starting dosage of cabergoline tablets is 0.25 mg orally twice weekly.
( 2.2 ) Titrate cabergoline tablets to achieve normal serum prolactin levels by increasing cabergoline tablets by 0.25 mg orally twice weekly at intervals of no less than 4 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Maximum recommended dosage is 1 mg orally, twice weekly. ( 2.2 )
2.1Recommended Evaluation Before Initiating Cabergoline Tablets Before initiating cabergoline tablets evaluate for valvular heart disease, including with an echocardiogram. If valvular disease is detected, do not administer cabergoline tablets [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
2.2Recommended Dosage The recommended starting dosage of cabergoline tablets is 0.25 mg orally twice weekly. Titrate cabergoline tablets to achieve normal serum prolactin levels by increasing cabergoline tablets by 0.25 mg orally twice weekly at intervals of no less than 4 weeks. The maximum recommended dosage is 1 mg orally, twice weekly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
Administer cabergoline tablets with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. If cabergoline tablets are discontinued, monitor the serum prolactin level periodically to determine whether cabergoline tablets should be reinstituted.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Tablets: 0.5 mg, white to off-white, with functional score, Oval shaped, flat face, beveled edge tablet, scored on one side with the letter "IN" and the letter "G" on either side of the breakline, engraved with the number 118 on the opposite side. Tablets: 0.5 mg white to off-white, with functional score. ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Cabergoline tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Uncontrolled hypertension. Known hypersensitivity to ergot derivatives. History of cardiac valvular disorders, as suggested by anatomical evidence of valvulopathy of any valve, determined by pre-treatment evaluation including echocardiographic demonstration of valve leaflet thickening, valve restriction, or mixed valve restriction-stenosis, or history of pericardial fibrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
History of pleural, pulmonary, or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Uncontrolled hypertension ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to ergot derivatives ( 4 ) History of cardiac valvular disorders, or pericardial fibrosis. ( 5.1 ) History of pleural, pulmonary, or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders.
( 5.2 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Cardiac Valvulopathy and Pericardial Fibrosis : Before initiating cabergoline tablets, perform a cardiovascular evaluation, including echocardiogram, to evaluate for valvular disease. During cabergoline tablets treatment, monitor for the development of valvulopathy with a cardiac echocardiogram at intervals of 6 to 12 months or as clinically indicated and monitor for chest pain and signs and symptoms of heart failure (if heart failure occurs, exclude valvular fibrosis and pericarditis). Consider additional clinical and diagnostic monitoring at baseline and as necessary during cabergoline tablets treatment.
Use cabergoline tablets in patients treated with other drugs associated with valvulopathy only if the potential benefit of cabergoline tablets outweighs the risk. Discontinue cabergoline tablets if the patient has a new diagnosis of valvular regurgitation, valvular restriction, valve leaflet thickening, or pericarditis. ( 5.1 ) Pleural, Pulmonary and Retroperitoneal Fibrosis : During cabergoline tablets treatment monitor for signs and symptoms of progressive fibrosis, (e.g., pleuro-pulmonary disease, renal impairment, ureteral/abdominal vascular obstruction).
Consider clinical and diagnostic monitoring for pleural, pulmonary, and retroperitoneal fibrosis at baseline and as necessary during cabergoline tablets treatment. If pleural, pericardial, retroperitoneal, or pulmonary fibrosis occur, discontinue cabergoline tablets. ( 5.2 ) Orthostatic Hypotension : Check blood pressure at baseline and during treatment with cabergoline tablets and monitor for orthostatic hypotension.
( 5.3 ) Risks with Use of Cabergoline Tablets for Postpartum Lactation Inhibition or Suppression : Avoid use of cabergoline tablets for the inhibition or suppression of physiologic lactation. Use of bromocriptine, another dopamine agonist for this unapproved use has been associated with cases of hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, seizures, and death. ( 5.4 ) Impulse Control Disorders and Compulsive Behaviors : Specifically ask patients about the development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, or other urges while being treated with cabergoline tablets.
Consider dosage reduction or stopping cabergoline tablets if a patient develops such urges while taking cabergoline tablets. ( 5.5 )
5.1Cardiac Valvulopathy and Pericardial Fibrosis Before initiating cabergoline tablets, perform a cardiovascular evaluation, including with an echocardiogram, to evaluate for valvular disease. Cabergoline tablets are contraindicated in the presence of valvular disease or pericardial fibrosis [see Contraindications (4) ]. Cases of valvular and pericardial fibrosis have often manifested as heart failure.
Following cabergoline tablets treatment initiation, monitor for the development of valvulopathy with a cardiac echocardiogram at intervals of 6 to 12 months or as clinically indicated with new onset edema, cardiac murmur, dyspnea, or heart failure. During cabergoline tablets treatment, monitor for chest pain and signs and symptoms of heart failure and if heart failure occurs, valvular fibrosis and pericarditis should be excluded. Consider clinical and diagnostic monitoring such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum creatinine measurements, chest-x- ray, and other investigations and cardiac imaging at baseline and as necessary while patients are treated with during cabergoline tablets treatment.
Use cabergoline tablets in patients treated with other drugs associated with valvulopathy only if the potential benefit of cabergoline tablets outweighs the risk. Discontinue cabergoline tablets if the patient has a new diagnosis of valvular regurgitation, valvular restriction, valve leaflet thickening, or pericarditis. Postmarketing cases of cardiac valvulopathy have been reported in patients who received cabergoline tablets.
These cases have generally occurred during administration of high doses of cabergoline…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiac Valvulopathy and Pericardial Fibrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Pleural, Retroperitoneal, and Pulmonary Fibrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Orthostatic Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .
Impulse Control Disorders and Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . The most common adverse reactions (incidence >10%) are nausea, headache, and dizziness. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-877-748-1970 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of cabergoline has been evaluated in more than 900 patients with hyperprolactinemic disorders. In a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (cabergoline vs. placebo) [see Clinical Studies (14) ], the incidence of the most common adverse reactions during the placebo-controlled trial in patients with hyperprolactinemic disorders is presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Adverse Reactions (n (%))* During the 4-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Hyperprolactinemic Females * Adverse reactions that occurred ≥1% in the cabergoline group and frequency more than that reported in the placebo group. Cabergoline (n=168) Placebo (n=20) Nausea 45 (27%) 4 (20%) Headache 43 (26%) 5 (25%) Dizziness 25 (15%) 1 (5%) Constipation 16 (10%) 0% Fatigue 12 (7%) 0% Postural hypotension 6 (4%) 0% Dyspepsia 4 (2%) 0% Vomiting 4 (2%) 0% Nervousness 4 (2%) 0% Vertigo 2 (1%) 0% Paresthesia 2 (1%) 0% Breast pain 2 (1%) 0% Dysmenorrhea 2 (1%) 0% Abnormal vision 2 (1%) 0% In the 8-week, double-blind period of the comparative trial with bromocriptine, 2% (4/221) of cabergoline treated patients (0.5 mg twice weekly) discontinued treatment because of an adverse event and 6% (14/231) of bromocriptine-treated patients (at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily) discontinued treatment because of an adverse event.
The most common reasons for cabergoline discontinuation were headache, nausea, and vomiting (3, 2, and 2 patients, respectively). The incidence of the most common adverse events during the double-blind period of the comparative trial with bromocriptine is presented in Table 2. Table 2.
Adverse Events* During the 8-Week, Double-Blind Period of the Comparative Trial in Hyperprolactinemic Females * Adverse events reported ≥1% in the cabergoline group. Abbreviation: n=number of patients. Cabergoline (n=221) Bromocriptine (n=231) Nausea 63 (29%) 100 (43%) Headache 58 (26%) 62 (27%) Dizziness 38 (17%) 42 (18%) Constipation 15 (7%) 21 (9%) Asthenia 13 (6%) 15 (6%) Abdominal pain 12 (5%) 19 (8%) Dyspepsia 11 (5%) 16 (7%) Fatigue 10 (5%) 18 (8%) Vertigo 9 (4%) 10 (4%) Vomiting 9 (4%) 16 (7%) Depression 7 (3%) 5 (2%) Hot flashes 6 (3%) 3 (1%) Breast pain 5 (2%) 8 (3%) Dry mouth 5 (2%) 2 (1%) Paresthesia 5 (2%) 6 (3%) Somnolence 5 (2%) 5 (2%) Diarrhea 4 (2%) 7 (3%) Flatulence 4 (2%) 3 (1%) Pain 4 (2%) 6 (3%) Acne 3 (1%) 0% Anorexia 3 (1%) 3 (1%) Anxiety 3 (1%) 3 (1%) Hypotension 3 (1%) 4 (2%) Insomnia 3 (1%) 2 (1%) Syncope 3 (1%) 3 (1%) Abnormal vision 2 (1%) 2 (1%) Arthralgia 2 (1%) 0% Dependent edema 2 (1%) 1 (<1%) Dysmenorrhea 2 (1%) 1 (<1%) Impaired concentration 2 (1%) 1 (<1%) Influenza-like symptoms 2 (1%) 0% Malaise 2 (1%) 0% Nervousness 2 (1%) 5 (2%) Palpitation 2 (1%) 5 (2%) Periorbital edema 2 (1%) 2 (1%) Peripheral edema 2 (1%) 1 (<1%) Pruritus 2 (1%) 1 (<1%) Rhinitis 2 (1%) 9 (4%) Throat irritation 2 (1%) 0% Toothache 2 (1%) 0% Events that were reported at an incidence of <1% in the clinical studies follow: Body As a Whole: facial edema, influenza-like symptoms, malaise Cardiovascul…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Cabergoline tablets, a dopamine receptor agonist, is not recommended for concomitant use with D2-antagonists, such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes, or metoclopramide. Cabergoline tablets, a dopamine receptor agonist, are not recommended for concomitant use with D2-antagonists, such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes, or metoclopramide. ( 7 )
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy : If conception occurs during cabergoline tablets therapy, discontinue cabergoline tablets if the risks to the mother or fetus outweigh the benefits to the mother ( 8.1 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary If conception occurs during cabergoline tablets therapy, discontinue cabergoline tablets if the risks to the mother or fetus outweigh the benefits to the mother. There are risks to the mother associated with the use of cabergoline tablets ( see Clinical Considerations ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in patients with hyperprolactinemic disorders, either idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas is unknown.
All pregnancies have a risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Maternal Adverse Reactions: In general, avoid use of dopamine agonists, including cabergoline tablets, during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The risks of cabergoline tablets use increase in pregnant females with pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Data Human Data: Published case reports have not reported a clear association with cabergoline tablets and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse fetal outcomes when cabergoline tablets was used during early pregnancy. However, these case reports cannot definitely establish the absence of cabergoline tablets-associated risk.
Animal Data: Embryo-fetal development studies have been performed with cabergoline administered by oral gavage in mice, rats, and rabbits: There were no teratogenic effects in the presence of maternal toxicity in mice given cabergoline at doses up to 8 mg/kg/day (approximately 55 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) during the period of organogenesis. A dose of 0.012 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.14 times the maximum recommended human dose) administered during the period of organogenesis in rats caused an increase in post-implantation loss.
This finding is likely due to the role of prolactin in implantation in rats and is not thought to be relevant to humans. At doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 19 times the maximum recommended human dose) administered during the period of organogenesis in rabbits, cabergoline caused maternal toxicity characterized by a loss of body weight and decreased food consumption. Doses of 4 mg/kg/day (approximately 150 times the maximum recommended human dose) administered during the period of organogenesis in the rabbit caused an increased occurrence of various malformations.
However, in another study in rabbits, no treatment-related malformations or embryofetal toxicity were observed at doses up to 8 mg/kg/day (approximately 300 times the maximum recommended human dose).
8.2Lactation Risk Summary Cabergoline tablets are not recommended in postpartum women who are breastfeeding or who are planning to breastfeed. Avoid use of cabergoline tablets for the inhibition or suppression of physiologic lactation [see Indications and Usage (1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of cabergoline tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of cabergoline tablets did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.
8.6Hepatic Impairment The use of cabergoline tablets in patients with severe hepatic impairment (HI) (Child-Pugh C) is not recommended. When using cabergoline tablets in patients with moderate HI (Child-Pugh B) increase monitoring of cabergoline tablets associated adverse reactions. The recommendations for use of cabergoline tablets in patients with mild HI (Child Pugh A) is the same as those with normal hepatic function. Patients with m…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary If conception occurs during cabergoline tablets therapy, discontinue cabergoline tablets if the risks to the mother or fetus outweigh the benefits to the mother. There are risks to the mother associated with the use of cabergoline tablets ( see Clinical Considerations ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in patients with hyperprolactinemic disorders, either idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas is unknown.
All pregnancies have a risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Maternal Adverse Reactions: In general, avoid use of dopamine agonists, including cabergoline tablets, during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The risks of cabergoline tablets use increase in pregnant females with pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Data Human Data: Published case reports have not reported a clear association with cabergoline tablets and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse fetal outcomes when cabergoline tablets was used during early pregnancy. However, these case reports cannot definitely establish the absence of cabergoline tablets-associated risk.
Animal Data: Embryo-fetal development studies have been performed with cabergoline administered by oral gavage in mice, rats, and rabbits: There were no teratogenic effects in the presence of maternal toxicity in mice given cabergoline at doses up to 8 mg/kg/day (approximately 55 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) during the period of organogenesis. A dose of 0.012 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.14 times the maximum recommended human dose) administered during the period of organogenesis in rats caused an increase in post-implantation loss.
This finding is likely due to the role of prolactin in implantation in rats and is not thought to be relevant to humans. At doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 19 times the maximum recommended human dose) administered during the period of organogenesis in rabbits, cabergoline caused maternal toxicity characterized by a loss of body weight and decreased food consumption. Doses of 4 mg/kg/day (approximately 150 times the maximum recommended human dose) administered during the period of organogenesis in the rabbit caused an increased occurrence of various malformations.
However, in another study in rabbits, no treatment-related malformations or embryofetal toxicity were observed at doses up to 8 mg/kg/day (approximately 300 times the maximum recommended human dose).
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of cabergoline tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of cabergoline tablets did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Take measures to support blood pressure, if necessary. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Cabergoline is an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with a high affinity for D2 receptors. Results of in vitro studies demonstrate that cabergoline exerts a direct inhibitory effect on the secretion of prolactin by rat pituitary lactotrophs. Cabergoline decreased serum prolactin levels in reserpinized rats.
Receptor-binding studies indicate that cabergoline has low affinity for dopamine D1, α1- and α2-adrenergic, and 5-HT1- and 5-HT2-serotonin receptors.
12.2Pharmacodynamics The exposure-response relationship and time course of pharmacodynamic response for the safety and effectiveness of cabergoline have not been fully characterized.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption The time to reach maximum cabergoline plasma concentration was 2 to 3 hours after single oral doses of 0.5 mg to 1.5 mg (1.5 times the maximum recommended dose) of cabergoline in healthy subjects. Following dosing of cabergoline between 0.5 mg to 7 mg (7 times the maximum recommended dose), cabergoline plasma levels appeared to be dose-proportional. The absolute bioavailability of cabergoline is unknown.
A significant fraction of the administered dose undergoes a first-pass effect. Effect of Food: High-fat food did not alter the pharmacokinetics of cabergoline [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. Distribution Protein binding of cabergoline was 40% to 42%.
Elimination The elimination half-life of cabergoline estimated from urinary data of 12 healthy subjects ranged between 63 to 69 hours. Metabolism: Cabergoline is extensively metabolized, predominately via hydrolysis of the acylurea bond or the urea moiety. Hydrolysis of the acylurea or urea moiety abolishes the prolactin-lowering effect of cabergoline, and major metabolites identified thus far do not contribute to the therapeutic effect.
Excretion: After oral dosing of radioactive cabergoline to 5 healthy volunteers, approximately 22% and 60% of the dose was excreted within 20 days in the urine and feces, respectively. Less than 4% of the dose was excreted unchanged in the urine. Nonrenal and renal clearances for cabergoline are about
3.2 L/min and
0.08L/min, respectively. Urinary excretion in hyperprolactinemic patients was similar. Specific Populations Patients with Hepatic Impairment: In a pharmacokinetic hepatic impairment (HI) study [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] : In 4 cabergoline-treated patients with mild HI (Child-Pugh A), no effect on mean area under the cabergoline plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was observed.
In 4 cabergoline-treated patients with moderate HI (Child-Pugh B) there was a 1.5-fold increase in mean cabergoline AUC. In 4 cabergoline-treated patients with severe HI (Child-Pugh C) there was a 5.6-fold increase in the mean cabergoline AUC. Male and Female Patients: Males aged 20 to 34 years were shown to have had higher C max than females aged 20 to 27 years while males aged 66 to 75 years had lower C max compared to females aged 66 to 74 years.
The clinical significance of the findings is unknown. Patients with Renal Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of cabergoline were not altered in 12 patients with moderate-to-severe renal impairment as assessed by creatinine clearance.
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Cabergoline is an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with a high affinity for D2 receptors. Results of in vitro studies demonstrate that cabergoline exerts a direct inhibitory effect on the secretion of prolactin by rat pituitary lactotrophs. Cabergoline decreased serum prolactin levels in reserpinized rats.
Receptor-binding studies indicate that cabergoline has low affinity for dopamine D1, α1- and α2-adrenergic, and 5-HT1- and 5-HT2-serotonin receptors.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Cabergoline Tablets, USP are white to off-white, oval shaped, flat face, beveled edge tablet with functional score on one side with the letters "IN" and the letter "G" on either side of the breakline, engraved with the number "118" on the opposite side and they are available in the following configuration: 0.5 mg strength, 8-count bottle, and NDC number 50742-118-08. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] . Store the tablets in the original container.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Cabergoline, USP is an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist. The chemical name for cabergoline is 1-[(6-allylergolin -8ß-yl)-carbonyl]-1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylurea. Its empirical formula is C 26 H 37 N 5 O 2 , and its molecular weight is 451.62.
The structural formula is as follows Cabergoline, USP is a white powder soluble in ethyl alcohol, chloroform, and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF); slightly soluble in 0.1N hydrochloric acid; very slightly soluble in n-hexane; and insoluble in water. Cabergoline tablets, USP for oral administration, contain 0.5 mg of cabergoline, USP. Inactive ingredients consist of microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, anhydrous citric acid, and magnesium stearate.
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💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information). Fibrotic Conditions There is a risk of cardiac valvulopathy, and pericardial, pleural, pulmonary, and retroperitoneal fibrosis with cabergoline tablets treatment Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they develop shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, difficulty with breathing when lying down, or swelling in their extremities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Orthostatic Hypotension Warn patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and instruct patients to rise slowly from a supine or sitting position.
Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they develop dizziness or lightheadedness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 )] . Impulse Control Disorders and Compulsive Behaviors Patients should be alerted to the possibility that patients may experience intense urges to spend money uncontrollably, intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, and other intense urges and the inability to control these urges while taking cabergoline tablets. Advise patients to inform their health care provider if they develop new or increased uncontrolled spending, gambling urges, sexual urges, or other urges while being treated with cabergoline tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] .
Pregnancy Advise patients to notify their health care provider if they suspect they are pregnant, become pregnant, or intend to become pregnant during therapy. A pregnancy test should be done if there is any suspicion of pregnancy and continuation of cabergoline tablets treatment should be discussed with their health care provider [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Manufactured for: Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC Orlando, FL 32811-7193 Made in India Revised: 07/2025 Image