Cabergoline Dosages in Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

Cabergoline is part of a group of medications called dopamine agonists. It’s used to treat high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia). Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, which sits below the brain. We all have prolactin in our bodies. But having too much of it can cause infertility, sexual problems, and mood changes.

Cabergoline acts like dopamine, a chemical messenger that naturally exists in the body. Dopamine helps lower prolactin levels, which relieves symptoms of hyperprolactinemia. But for cabergoline to work, and to minimize side effects, it’s best to take it exactly as instructed by your prescriber. The right cabergoline dosage for you will vary depending on your prolactin levels and how you tolerate the medication.

What’s the typical cabergoline dosage for adults?

An initial cabergoline dosage may be 0.25 mg taken by mouth on 2 days of the week (for example, Monday and Thursday). Taking your dose with a meal can prevent stomach upset.

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If your prolactin levels are still high after 4 weeks, your healthcare provider may increase your dose. The maximum dose is 1 mg twice weekly. Waiting 4 weeks before increasing your cabergoline dosage gives your body time to adjust to the medication. Higher doses increase your risk of side effects, so it’s best to work with your provider to find the lowest effective dose.

Good to know: Before and during treatment with cabergoline, your healthcare provider will make sure you don’t have any heart or lung problems. They may ask you to complete a heart test called an echocardiogram. And a chest X-ray or CT scan may be ordered to assess your lungs. Symptoms of heart or lung problems may include trouble breathing, persistent cough, or chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking cabergoline, let your healthcare provider know.

Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?

Possibly. You may need a lower cabergoline dosage if you have liver problems. The liver is responsible for metabolizing (breaking down) cabergoline. If your liver isn’t working normally, cabergoline can build up in your blood and cause side effects.

You may also need a lower cabergoline dosage if you’re over 65. This is because older adults often experience differences in how their bodies process medications. For example, we’re more likely to have decreased liver function as we age, which can increase cabergoline levels in the blood.

Will you need cabergoline for life?

Not necessarily. If you’re prescribed cabergoline, your healthcare provider will monitor your prolactin levels. If your levels normalize for about 6 months, your provider may recommend stopping cabergoline. 

Even after stopping cabergoline, though, your provider may monitor your prolactin levels to make sure they don’t increase.

What happens if you miss a dose of cabergoline?

Cabergoline is only taken twice a week. So if you forget to take one of your weekly doses, take it right when you remember.

There’s an exception to this rule, though. If it’s the same day as your next scheduled dose, skip your missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Never take two doses at one time. This increases your risk for side effects like nausea, constipation, and headache.

Make sure to tell your provider if you skip any doses. This will help them interpret your lab results and recommend a cabergoline dose that’s safe for you.

What should you do if you take too much cabergoline?

Taking too much cabergoline can lead to side effects, including:

• Stuffy nose

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Tiredness

• Headache

• Having no energy

• Nervousness

• Depression

Hallucinations, low blood pressure, and fainting may also occur if you take extra doses. Taking larger amounts of cabergoline could lead to severe heart and lung issues. 

If you think you’ve taken too much cabergoline, let your healthcare provider know immediately. If you’re experiencing symptoms, seek emergency care by calling 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. 

Who shouldn’t take cabergoline?

Some people should avoid cabergoline altogether. This includes people who have:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure 

• A history of heart valve problems (cardiac valvular disorders)

• Thickening or scarring of the lungs or sac surrounding the heart (fibrotic disorders)

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, cabergoline may not be the best medication option for you. We don’t have a lot of studies on cabergoline use in pregnancy. And cabergoline is known to affect breast milk supply. So talk to your healthcare provider if you become pregnant (or plan to become pregnant) while taking cabergoline, or if you’re breastfeeding. They can help you decide whether taking cabergoline is a good idea.

How to save on cabergoline

GoodRx may be able to help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the cabergoline tablets. A 4-week supply of cabergoline may cost you as low as $26.34 at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

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