Major Research Findings

Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that inhibits prolactin secretion and is used to treat hyperprolactinemia. 3 investigated the effects of pituitary surgery and high-dose cabergoline therapy (≥2mg/week) on metabolic profiles in patients with prolactinomas resistant to conventional cabergoline doses (<2mg/week), finding that control of prolactin excess was associated with improvements in glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles. 16 studied the effects of a single intramuscular injection of cabergoline at dry-off in lactating cows, finding that it effectively reduced prolactin secretion, udder engorgement, milk leakages, and improved lying time after dry-off. 11 investigated the effects of different dry-off strategies, including reduced feeding levels, reduced milking frequency, and a single injection of cabergoline, on blood metabolites, hormones, and minerals in dairy cows around dry-off, finding that while cabergoline reduced prolactin concentrations, it also induced atypical changes in plasma metabolites, hormones, and minerals, potentially hindering normal metabolic regulation. 1 examined the effects of cabergoline on cardiac valvular function in hyperprolactinemic patients, finding that ergot-derived dopamine agonists used in higher doses for Parkinson’s disease are associated with an increased risk of valvular dysfunction, but the risk associated with lower doses used for prolactinomas remains unclear. 8 investigated the effects of different dry-off strategies on feed intake, milk yield, milk leakage, and clinical udder characteristics in dairy cows around dry-off, finding that while cabergoline injection resulted in less udder engorgement and milk leakage, it also caused an abrupt reduction in dry matter intake. 2 compared the cardiometabolic effects of cabergoline and combined oral contraceptive pills in young women with hyperprolactinemia, finding that only cabergoline reduced the cardiometabolic risk in young women with hyperprolactinemia. 14 compared the effects of chamomile and cabergoline on idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, finding that cabergoline was significantly more effective at reducing prolactin levels. 15 examined the effects of cabergoline and rotigotine on tacrine-induced tremors in rats. 13 investigated the effects of cabergoline on reproduction in three families of Australian marsupials, finding that cabergoline can impact reproduction in some species. 12 investigated the effects of feed energy density, daily milking frequency, and a single injection of cabergoline on behavior and welfare in dairy cows at dry-off, finding that cabergoline injection might lead to malaise in cows, but not necessarily reduced udder pain. 5 prospectively investigated the effects of cabergoline on sexual dysfunction in clinically stable patients with schizophrenia and hyperprolactinemia, finding that cabergoline may improve sexual functioning without adversely affecting psychopathology. 10 prospectively investigated the outcome of cabergoline treatment in men with prolactinomas, finding that cabergoline treatment can be successful in men, normalizing prolactin levels, shrinking tumors, and restoring pituitary function. 7 investigated the effects of cabergoline on thyroid hormones and semen quality in dogs, finding that it had a minor but significant effect on prolactin concentrations and no significant effect on thyroid hormone secretion or semen quality. 6 evaluated the in vivo and in vitro effects of octreotide, quinagolide, and cabergoline in hyperprolactinemic acromegalics, correlating the results with somatostatin and dopamine D2 receptor scintigraphy. 9 investigated the effects of etanercept and cabergoline on endometriotic implants, uterus, and ovaries in a rat endometriosis model, finding that both treatments reduced the volume and inflammatory markers of endometriotic implants. 4 investigated the effects of cabergoline on the pulsatile and TRH-induced secretion of prolactin, LH, and testosterone in male beagle dogs, finding that dopamine agonists mainly affect suprabasal secretion of prolactin in dogs.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Cabergoline is a potentially effective treatment for hyperprolactinemia. 3 found that high-dose cabergoline therapy or pituitary surgery can improve metabolic profiles in patients with prolactinomas. In lactating cows, cabergoline reduced udder engorgement, milk leakages, and improved lying time. 16 Cabergoline may also improve sexual functioning in patients with schizophrenia and hyperprolactinemia without worsening their mental state. 5

Risks Summary

Cabergoline can cause side effects. High-dose cabergoline used for Parkinson’s disease is associated with an increased risk of valvular dysfunction, though the risk with lower doses for prolactinomas is less clear. 1 In addition, injecting cabergoline in dairy cows can cause an abrupt reduction in dry matter intake. 8 Cabergoline can also disrupt normal metabolic regulation and may lead to malaise in cows. 11 , 12

Study Comparisons

Study Similarities

These studies share the common finding that cabergoline inhibits prolactin secretion. They also suggest that it may be a potentially effective treatment for hyperprolactinemia.

Study Differences

The studies vary in their subjects, animal species, administration methods, and outcome measures, leading to different findings on the effects and side effects of cabergoline. For instance, high-dose cabergoline used for Parkinson’s disease may increase the risk of valvular dysfunction, while lower doses for prolactinomas are less clear. 1 Similarly, cabergoline can cause an abrupt reduction in dry matter intake in dairy cows, but may improve sexual function in patients with schizophrenia. 5 , 8

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

While the studies consistently demonstrate cabergoline’s ability to inhibit prolactin secretion, they show varying results concerning side effects and specific benefits. This variability likely stems from differences in the subjects, animal species, administration methods, and outcome measures employed in each study. Further research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of cabergoline’s effects.

Implications for Daily Life

Cabergoline holds potential as a treatment for hyperprolactinemia but it’s crucial to be aware of its possible side effects. When taking cabergoline, closely follow your doctor’s instructions and pay attention to any potential adverse reactions. Furthermore, these studies have not extensively investigated the long-term impacts of cabergoline. Therefore, if using it for an extended duration, it’s vital to regularly consult with your doctor to monitor for any side effects.

Limitations of Current Research

These studies have limitations due to their varying subjects, animal species, administration methods, and outcome measures. More research is needed to thoroughly understand the effects and side effects of cabergoline. The long-term impacts of cabergoline also require further investigation to assess its long-term safety and effectiveness.

Future Research Directions

Further research should investigate the effects and side effects of cabergoline across a wider range of diseases, animal species, administration methods, and outcome measures. Long-term follow-up studies are essential to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of cabergoline. Research should also focus on ways to mitigate potential side effects and enhance the effectiveness of cabergoline treatment.

Conclusion

Cabergoline shows potential as a treatment for hyperprolactinemia, but it’s important to remember that it can cause side effects. When using cabergoline, follow your doctor’s instructions and monitor for any potential adverse reactions. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of cabergoline.