Cabergoline
Cabergoline (Dostinex) is a dopamine agonist that lowers prolactin levels in hyperprolactinaemia. The single tablet product listed here comes in 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg strengths.
Key points
- Cabergoline acts mainly through dopamine D2 receptors on the pituitary gland.
- Dostinex is the original brand of cabergoline, marketed by Pfizer.
How does Cabergoline work?
Cabergoline binds to dopamine D2 receptors on the prolactin-producing cells of the pituitary gland. By mimicking dopamine, the body’s natural signal that keeps prolactin in check, it tells those cells to reduce secretion. The prolactin-lowering effect lasts well beyond a single dose because cabergoline stays bound to the receptors for an extended period, which is why it is described as long-acting.
For someone with Hyperprolactinaemia, the medicine works at the source, quieting the cells that drive the excess. Dostinex is listed under Hormone Therapy on this shelf.
Further reading
Related articles
22 Sept 2026 ⋅ 4 min read
Cabergoline and Dostinex: when high prolactin needs treatment
A high prolactin result does not always mean a tumour. Learn when cabergoline helps, why the cause matters, and which monitoring and side effects to discuss.
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