Dostinex

What is it?

A dopamine agonist available as capsule-shaped, scored, white tablets containing 0.5mg of cabergoline, marked 700 on one side and PU on the other.

Medical Uses

To inhibit the production of breast milk immediately after child birth, suppression of lactation when breast feeding has ceased; hyperprolactinaemia (presence in the blood of excessive amounts of prolactin, the hormone which stimulates milk production).

Dosage

Adults and children over 16 years, inhibition of breast milk production, 2 tablets on the day following birth. Suppression of breast milk, 1/2 tablet every 12 hours, continuing for 2 days; hype rprolactinaemia, 1 tablet every 7 days, or 1/z tablet twice weekly, increasing, if required by 1 tablet every 7 days to a weekly maximum of 9 tablets. The usual maintenance dose is 2 tablets weekly, either as one dose or divided into 2 to 4 doses.

Special Care

Heart, circulatory, kidney or liver disease, bleeding or ulceration in gastrointestinal tract, Raynauds disease (an abnormal, painful condition in which the arteries supplying the fingers and toes go into spasm), high blood pressure, psychotic disorders. Pituitary gland function should be assessed before treatment begins. Blood pressure, blood levels of prolactin and gynaecological changes should all be monitored during treatment. Women should not combine this treatment with hormonal contraceptive methods; treatment should be discontinued at least 4 weeks before trying to conceive.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, preeclampsia, toxaemia of pregnancy, history of psychotic conditions related to childbirth, liver disorders.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Dopamine antago nists, inacrolides, ergot alkaloids.

Known Side Effects

Weakness, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, hot flushes, tingling sensations and numbness, vertigo, headaches, painful breasts, hot flushes, depression. Rarely, nose bleeds, palpitations, vi sion disturbance. All adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).