Description
About Caberlin 0.25 mg
Caberlin 0.25 mg is a prescription tablet containing 0.25 mg of cabergoline, made by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, used to lower high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia), whether the cause is unknown or a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor (prolactinoma). This low strength matches the usual starting dose, so treatment can begin and be adjusted in small steps without splitting tablets.
How does Caberlin work?
Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine agonist derived from ergot. It binds dopamine D2 receptors on the prolactin-producing cells of the pituitary gland and switches off their output. Prolactin starts to fall within hours of a dose, and because the drug is cleared very slowly, the effect lasts several days. That long action is why it is taken only once or twice a week. In most people with a prolactinoma, the tumor also shrinks during treatment.
Why high prolactin needs treatment
Excess prolactin suppresses the reproductive hormones. In women it can cause missed or irregular periods, milky nipple discharge (galactorrhea) and difficulty conceiving; in men it can lower libido, cause erectile problems and reduce sperm count. Over time it can thin the bones, and a large tumor may press on the optic nerves and cause headaches or loss of side vision. Your doctor will first rule out other causes, such as pregnancy, an underactive thyroid, kidney disease or medicines like antipsychotics and metoclopramide.
How to take Caberlin 0.25 mg
- Usual start: one 0.25 mg tablet twice a week, for example on Monday and Thursday. Some doctors give 0.5 mg once a week instead.
- Adjustments: the dose is raised by 0.25 mg per dose no more often than every 4 weeks, guided by blood prolactin. US labeling describes doses up to 1 mg twice a week.
- Take it with food to reduce nausea and dizziness.
- When larger doses are needed, a Caberlin 0.5 mg tablet means fewer tablets per dose.
What to expect week by week
First doses: lightheadedness on standing, nausea and headache are most likely now, so take the first dose with an evening meal and get up slowly. Weeks 2–4: nipple discharge often lessens. Around week 4: a blood test shows whether prolactin is falling enough to keep the same dose. Months 2–3: periods frequently return and fertility can come back quickly, so use reliable contraception if you do not want to become pregnant. People with a tumor will have repeat MRI scans as advised.
Who should not take it?
Do not take cabergoline if you are allergic to it or other ergot medicines, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or have a history of heart valve disease or fibrosis of the lungs, heart lining or abdomen. Tell your doctor about liver disease, low blood pressure, Raynaud’s phenomenon, peptic ulcers or a history of psychosis. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor straight away; cabergoline is normally stopped once pregnancy is confirmed. It suppresses breast milk, so it is not used while breastfeeding.
Key safety checks
An echocardiogram is recommended before treatment and periodically during long-term use, because ergot-derived dopamine agonists can rarely thicken the heart valves. Some people develop impulse-control problems such as compulsive gambling, spending, eating or increased sexual urges; tell your doctor if you or your family notice these.
What are the side effects?
Nausea, headache, dizziness, tiredness, constipation and stomach pain are the most common. Get urgent help for fainting, chest pain, a persistent cough or shortness of breath, swollen ankles, severe abdominal or back pain, or confusion and hallucinations.
Interactions
Antipsychotics and metoclopramide block dopamine and can cancel the effect. Erythromycin or clarithromycin may raise cabergoline levels, blood pressure medicines can add to dizziness, and other ergot drugs should not be combined with it.
Pack sizes and storage
Caberlin 0.25 mg comes in strips of 4 tablets, sold in packs of 12, 24 or 36, from $21. Store below 77°F (25°C) in the original packing, away from moisture.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it when you remember unless your next dose is due within a day or so, in which case skip it. Never take two doses together.
Is there another brand of this strength?
Cabgolin 0.25 mg contains the same amount of cabergoline.
Where can I see the whole range?
Visit the More Product category.
For general education only. Caberlin 0.25 mg is a prescription medicine; dose changes should follow your prolactin results and your doctor’s advice.