Dostinex

What is Dostinex by Sun Pharmaceuticals?

Dostinex is one of the most widely recognized names for cabergoline, a drug that lowers the hormone prolactin. This version is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals and comes as 4 tablets, each with 0.5 mg of cabergoline.

Pharmacologically, cabergoline is a synthetic ergoline compound and a selective, long-acting dopamine D2 receptor agonist. Its action is centered on the anterior pituitary, where dopamine normally holds prolactin secretion in check. What sets cabergoline apart from older drugs such as bromocriptine is its duration: the elimination half-life is in the range of 63 to 69 hours, so prolactin stays suppressed for several days after a single tablet. It also tends to cause less nausea than bromocriptine, which is one reason it became the preferred choice.

Where is Dostinex used?

• Hyperprolactinemic disorders, including prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas, where it can also shrink the tumor.
• Prevention of lactation after childbirth, classically with a single 1 mg dose on the first day postpartum.
• In sports pharmacology, control of prolactin during cycles with nandrolone, trenbolone and other 19-nor steroids.

Athletes describe high prolactin as a combination of flat libido, poor erection quality, puffy nipples and a soft, watery look that persists even with estrogen under control. Dostinex addresses that specific problem, which neither an aromatase inhibitor nor a SERM is designed to correct.

How is it dosed?

In clinical hyperprolactinemia, treatment commonly opens with 0.25 mg twice weekly and is adjusted every month or so by prolactin results, rarely exceeding 1 mg twice weekly in that setting. Bodybuilders typically report 0.25 to 0.5 mg twice per week, or 0.5 mg once a week, while a 19-nor compound is in use and for a short while afterwards. Half a tablet of Dostinex equals the usual single dose. Food reduces stomach upset.

Prolactin testing before and during use keeps the dose sensible, and both the amount and the duration must be agreed with a qualified medical professional.

Side effects and interactions

Common effects are nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain and orthostatic hypotension. Long-term use at high doses has been associated with heart valve fibrosis and with pleural or retroperitoneal fibrosis, so cabergoline is not used by people with existing valve disease or a history of fibrotic disorders. Uncontrolled hypertension, pre-eclampsia and hypersensitivity to ergot alkaloids are further contraindications.

Drugs that block dopamine, such as many antipsychotics and metoclopramide, can weaken the effect of Dostinex, and macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin may raise cabergoline levels. Combining it with other ergot derivatives is not recommended.

Dostinex package

The package holds 4 tablets of cabergoline 0.5 mg made by Sun Pharmaceuticals. It can be ordered on MaxLabs.co; for other strengths and makers, see all cabergoline (Cabaser) products.