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Cabergoline (Dopamine Agonist)
Cabergoline is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist that inhibits prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland.
Cabergoline is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist that inhibits prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. Used for Hyperprolactinemia (prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas and idiopathic hyperprolactinemia), Restless legs syndrome, Parkinson's disease (adjunctive therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Cabergoline (Dopamine Agonist) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland |
| Drug class | Dopamine agonist |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Endocrinology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Cabergoline binds to dopamine D2 receptors on lactotroph cells in the pituitary, mimicking dopamine's natural inhibitory effect on prolactin release. This leads to rapid and sustained suppression of elevated prolactin levels. It is highly selective for D2 receptors and has a long half-life, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to other dopamine agonists.
Approved indications
- Hyperprolactinemia (prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas and idiopathic hyperprolactinemia)
- Restless legs syndrome
- Parkinson's disease (adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Abdominal pain
- Valvular heart disease (rare, long-term use)
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy of Cabergoline in Inhibiting Lactation and Alleviating Breast Symptoms (PHASE2)
- Carbergoline for Antipsychotic Induced Hyperprolactinemia. (PHASE4)
- Cabergoline for Episodic Migraine (PHASE2)
- Cabergoline for Lactation Inhibition After Early Second-Trimester Abortion or Pregnancy Loss (PHASE2)
- Metabolic Outcomes in Patients With Prolactinomas Under Dopamine Agonist Treatment (PHASE4)
- Dopamine Agonist Treatment of Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas (PHASE3)
- Cabergoline for Lactation Inhibition After Second-Trimester Abortion or Loss (PHASE2)
- Clinical Guidance for Proper Treatment of Unexplained Resistant Hyperprolactinemia. (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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