Cabergoline vs Bromocriptine: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Commonly Used Dopamine Agonists
If you’re looking for a way to treat Hyperprolactinemia, Cabergoline, and Bromocriptine might come up in your search.
While both drugs work to reduce Prolactin levels in the body, they do so in slightly different ways and have different strengths and weaknesses.
Cabergoline is a newer drug generally considered more effective and better tolerated than Bromocriptine but it is also more expensive.
On the other hand, Bromocriptine is an older drug that is less expensive but can cause more side effects.
Choosing these two drugs ultimately depends on your circumstances and doctor’s recommendations.
Quick overview
Here is a quick overview to give a clear picture of the two medications.
| Factors | Cabergoline | Bromocriptine |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approval | 1996 | 1998 |
| Brand | Dostinex | Parlodel |
| Efficacy | More effective | Less effective |
| Side effects | Common side effects include Nausea, Headache | Severe side effects include hallucinations, confusion, and low blood pressure |
| Price | $91 for a supply of 8 tablets | $83 for a supply of 30 tablets |
Cabergoline vs Bromocriptine: Which is better
Cabergoline and Bromocriptine both belong to the same class of Dopamine Receptor Agonists.
They work to treat Hyperprolactinemia.
It is a condition where too many Prolactin hormones are in the blood, leading to several symptoms like sexual problems and infertility.
The National Library of Medicine conducted a study to compare the efficacy of Bromocriptine and Cabergoline for treating Hyperprolactinemia.
It concluded that Cabergoline is more helpful in treating Hyperprolactinemia than Bromocriptine.
Clinical and molecular success rates were much higher, and harmful effects were less common in Cabergoline users.
But like any other medicine, these two also have some side effects.
What is Bromocriptine
Bromocriptine is a medication used to treat various medical conditions, including Hyperprolactinemia, women’s infertility, and Acromegaly.
It is marketed under the brand name Parlodel.
The medicine works by acting on Dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps regulate Dopamine levels.
It’s a neurotransmitter that controls movement, mood, and behavior.
Bromocriptine is available in tablet form and is taken orally.
What is Cabergoline
Cabergoline is used to lower high amounts of Prolactin in the blood.
The medicine got approved by the FDA in the year 1996.
Cabergoline was developed under the brand name Dostinex and is available in its generic form.
Research has shown that Cabergoline is more desirable in Hyperprolactinemia patients.
It shows fewer side effects and works effectively.
The medicine is available in tablet form and is taken orally.
Before starting the medication, discussing the risks and benefits of taking Cabergoline with a healthcare provider is essential.
| Cabergoline Products | Price (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Cabgolin 0.25 mg | $ 12.21 |
| Cabgolin 0.5 mg | $ 89.28 |
Cabergoline or Bromocriptine side effects
Both these drugs work by reducing Prolactin levels, but they have different profiles of side effects.
Cabergoline is generally considered to have lesser side effects than Bromocriptine.
Some common side effects of Cabergoline include nausea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
Conversely, Bromocriptine can cause severe side effects such as hallucinations, confusion, and low blood pressure.
Hence, in terms of side effects, Cabergoline has less severe side effects than Bromocriptine.
Drug interactions
Cabergoline and Bromocriptine can interact with other medications, so informing your doctor about all your drugs is crucial.
According to Drugs.com, Bromocriptine shows interactions with 434 drugs, while Cabergoline shows interactions with 150 drugs.
Out of these, Bromocriptine has 66 major drug interactions, while Cabergoline has only fifteen major interactions.
Although, this information doesn’t prove that the effectiveness of Cabergoline is less than Bromocriptine.
Hence, it is best to inform the doctor about your medical history to avoid any adverse effects of the medicine.
Conclusion
Both Cabergoline and Bromocriptine are good medicines for treating Hyperprolactinemia.
While they share a common mechanism of action, differences exist in potential side effects, cost, and drug interactions.
But most people think Cabergoline is better than Bromocriptine because it has fewer and less severe side effects, is easier to take, and works better.
As with any medicine, it’s essential to talk to a doctor or nurse about the pros and cons of these drugs before starting treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cabergoline and Bromocriptine safe to stop lactation?
Cabergoline and Bromocriptine are both safe and successful ways to stop a woman from breastfeeding. But they should only be used as directed by a doctor and for the suggested time to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure the proper treatment is given.
Can you mix Bromocriptine and Cabergoline together?
No, you shouldn’t mix Bromocriptine and Cabergoline because they both work by increasing Dopamine receptors and can make the risk of side effects and other problems worse. For both medicines, it’s essential to follow the treatment plan that your doctor gives you.
Which is safer Cabergoline or Bromocriptine?
Cabergoline and Bromocriptine are both safe and effective drugs, but which one to use depends on the patient and the illness being treated. But still, Cabergoline, in comparison, has fewer side effects.
What are the disadvantages of Cabergoline?
Cabergoline has some drawbacks, such as the possibility of side effects like nausea, headaches, and dizziness, and the need to keep an eye out for rare but essential side effects like heart valve disease and fibrotic disorders.
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