Cabergoline
Also known as: Dostinex, Galastop, Cabasar, Actualene, Sostilar, Kelactin
* **Purpose:** Your veterinarian has prescribed cabergoline to treat a false pregnancy, induce a heat cycle, or manage other reproductive conditions. * **Administration:** Give this medication **with food** to reduce the chance of stomach upset. * **Side Effects:** It is generally well-tolerated, but mild vomiting may occur. If vomiting is severe or persists, contact your veterinarian. * **Warning:** **Do not give to pregnant pets** unless your veterinarian has specifically prescribed it to terminate a pregnancy, as it will cause a miscarriage. Do not give to nursing pets. * **Note:** If your dog is on this medication for more than 14 days, you might notice a temporary change in their coat color.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Estrus induction
- Estrus induction
- Estrus induction
- Pseudocyesis (pseudopregnancy)
- Pseudocyesis
- Pseudocyesis
- Adjunctive treatment of mastitis after puppies weaned
- Pre-treat mammary tumors prior to surgery (during diestrous period)
- Pregnancy termination
- Pregnancy termination
- Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease)
- Pseudopregnancy / Suppression of lactation
- Estrus induction
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting (infrequent, alleviated by food)
- Coat color changes (in dogs treated >14 days)
- Postural hypotension (reported in humans)
- Dizziness (reported in humans)
- Headache (reported in humans)
- Nausea (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Pregnancy (unless abortion is desired)
- Hypersensitivity to ergot derivatives
- Uncontrolled hypertension (in humans)
- Nursing mothers
- > **Warning:** Will cause spontaneous abortion in pregnant animals. Do not use unless pregnancy termination is the specific goal. * **Hepatic Impairment:** Patients with significantly impaired liver function should receive the drug with caution, and possibly at a lower dosage. * **Estrus Induction:** When using to induce estrus, it is recommended to wait at least 4 months after the prior cycle to allow the uterus to recover. * **Nursing:** Because cabergoline suppresses prolactin, it should not be used in nursing mothers.
Drug interactions
- Hypotensive Drugs: Concomitant use may cause additive hypotension due to cabergoline's hypotensive effects.
- Metoclopramide: Use with cabergoline may reduce the efficacy of both drugs and should be avoided.
- Phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine, chlorpromazine): Use of cabergoline with dopamine (D2) antagonists may reduce the efficacy of both drugs and should be avoided.
- Domperidone: Antagonizes the therapeutic effect of cabergoline
- Phenothiazines (e.g., Acepromazine): May antagonize cabergoline effects due to dopamine receptor blockade
- Hypotensive agents: Additive hypotensive effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Cabergoline used for in pets?
* **Purpose:** Your veterinarian has prescribed cabergoline to treat a false pregnancy, induce a heat cycle, or manage other reproductive conditions. * **Administration:** Give this medication **with food** to reduce the chance of stomach upset. * **Side Effects:** It is generally well-tolerated, but mild vomiting may occur. If vomiting is severe or persists, contact your veterinarian. * **Warning:** **Do not give to pregnant pets** unless your veterinarian has specifically prescribed it to terminate a pregnancy, as it will cause a miscarriage. Do not give to nursing pets. * **Note:** If your dog is on this medication for more than 14 days, you might notice a temporary change in their coat color.
Is Cabergoline safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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