Mechanism of action:

Dostinex or abergoline works by the following mechanisms:

• This medication inhibits the secretion of prolactin from the lactotroph cells of pituitary gland.
• It also reduces the level of prolactin level in the serum.
• It exhibits the low affinity of towards alpha-adrenergic receptors, D1 receptors, and alpha2-adrenergic receptors.

Indications of Dostinex:

Dostinex or Abergoline is indicated in the following conditions:

• In Prolactinomas (prolactin induced pituitary gland), as a adjunctive therapy.
• In hyperprolactinemia.
• In parkinson’s disease, as a monotherapy in the initial stage.
• Uterine fibroids.
• In acromegaly, as adjunctive therapy.
• In Cushing’s disease, to lower ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
• Pituitary adenomas.

Note: Always talk to your health care provider if you are experiencing any underlying disease before initiating any dose of this medication. 

Drug intercations associated with Dostinex:

The below mentioned list of drug interaction is not a complete list. So do not forget to inform your doctor if you are taking any prescribed or non-prescribed drugs, herbal products, vitamins/minerals or any other product before initiating any dose of this medication. Some of the examples of the drug interactions are:

• Drugs containing the similar ingredients.
• Anti-pshychotics
• Metoclopramide
• Any other drugs containing dopamine antagonist.
• Anti-hypertensives.

Possible side effects of Dostinex:

Eventhough all the drugs can cause side effects, sometime many individual do not catch any or very minor side effects.

Common side effects: Inform your physician if you catch the following side effects.

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain

Serious side effects: Take medical assistance immediately if you develop the following symptoms.

• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Skin rash, bumps and itching
• Backache
• Behavior changes
• Chest pain
• Problems in urination
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Light-headedness
• Swelling of upper and lower limb
• Dizziness

Method to use Dostinex:

Use this medication as per the instruction of your doctor. Always read the instructions written on the leaflet of the medication. This medication should be taken by oral intake. You can take this medication with or without food.

Dosage of this medication:

The most recommended dose of dostinex is 0.25 mg. But the dose can be increased up to 1mg depending on the requirement and intensity of the disease. This medication should be taken twice in a week. The usual dosages of this medication for different conditions are:

• In parkinson’s disease, it is used as monotherapy. The dosage is 0.5mg daily. The maintenance dose is 2-4mg daily. As combination therapy, the dose is 2-6mg daily.
• In tumours of pituitary gland: Initial dose is 0.5mg daily per week. Slowly the dose should be increased up to 4.5mg per week if required.
• In Ablactation: It should be used according to the requirement.

Contraindications and precautions of Dostinex:

Dostinex or abergoline is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• If you are allergic to any ingredient of this medication.
• In uncontrolled hypertension.
• If the patient is experiencing any cardiac valve problem.
• In fibrotic disorder of kidney.
• Fibrotic disorder of lung.
• In the patient who is under phenothiazine, butyropenone and thioxanthene.
• If you need to take sumatriptan within 24 hours after or before consuming this medication.
• Cautions should be taken for the patients of severe hypotension, cardiovascular diseases, Raynaud’s diseases and gastro-intestinal diseases.