Dostinex (Cabergoline), which is used in treating hormone imbalances involving excess prolactin, has been helping many patients suffering from bodily disorders. The drug that is also used to treat hyperprolactinemic (idiopathic and pituitary adenomas) disorders along with minimizing breast milk production has been considered to be a drug with fewer side-effects.In medical terms, dostinex is a dopamine agonist used by the medical fraternity for treating many ailments.For informational purposes, dopamine is a chemical substance that is found in the brain for transmitting nerve impulses along with an involvement for forming epinephrine. The substance is also released by the hypothalamus in the human body. It is believed thatanabolic steroid users consume this drug to minimize the risk of prolactin associatedside-effects. Dopamine Agonist, on the other hand, is a chemical substance that helps in the initiation of dopamine receptors in the absence of dopamine ligand.Chemical CompositionDostinex-Cabergoline has a chemical name of 1-[(6-allylergolin-8ß-yl)-carbonyl]-1-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl]-3-ethylurea. The empirical formula for this drug is C[SUB]26[/SUB]H[SUB]37[/SUB]N[SUB]5[/SUB]O[SUB]2[/SUB]and its molecular weight is 451.62.Dostinex tablets, which are administered to a patient, in oral form consist of 0.5 mg of cabergoline along with inactive constituents such as leucine, NF, USP, and lactose.Shape and AppearanceDostinex-Cabergoline is available in the form of white colored and capsule shaped tablets. One side of these tablets has the letters P and U on any of the break line sides, while the other side has the number 700 on it.Recommended UsageIn the medical context, the recommended dosage of Dostinex-Cabergoline is 0.25 mg twice a week. However, a patient intending usage of this drug needs to undergoechocardiography and cardiovascular evaluation for assessing any valvular problems.If needed, the dosage can be increased by 0.25 mg twice a week up to a dosage of 1.0 mg per week depending upon the serum prolactin level of the patient. However, it should be noted here that the dosage should not be raised faster than every 28 weeks so that the doctor does not find any difficulty in assessing response of a patient’s body to every increase of dosage. In cases where the patient does not feel any benefit from its usage, the lowest administered dosage of Dostinex-Cabergoline can be prescribed in addition to other therapeutic approaches.Furthermore, it is advisable that usage of Dostinex-Cabergoline should not be continued once the serum production level has been maintained for a time period not shorter than 6 months.Storage RequirementsDostinex-Cabergoline is required to be kept at a room temperature of 20°to 25°C (68°to 77°F) to avoid any side-effects and damage to its ingredients.Possible Side-EffectsAcne, increased libido, mood swings, vomiting, fainting, breast pain, menstrual changes, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, anxiety, weight gain or loss, malaise, diarrhea, dry mouth, and insomnia.Over-dosageIf consumed in large quantities without medical advice, this drug can result in ailments such as nasal congestions, hallucinations, and syncope. Immediate medical intervention must be sought to stay away from these and any other ailments.PrecautionsA female patient who is under Dostinex-Cabergoline management must inform her doctor if she is planning or suspects pregnancy during the treatment period.
