Obstetrics & Gynecology

Answer 2 Cabergoline tablets administered orally. Prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors are treated successfully with dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline. Many hyperprolactinemic patients do not tolerate oral bromocriptine because of its side effects such as nausea, vomiting, syncope, and headaches, and because two to three doses are required daily. In addition, some women are resistant to bromocriptine. Vaginal administration of bromocriptine often does not alleviate the side effects. For women who cannot tolerate bromocriptine or are resistant to treatment, cabergoline may be used. Because cabergoline has a relatively long half-life and is more potent than bromocriptine on a weight basis, it is administered in smaller doses (0.5 mg tablet) only once or twice per week. Cabergoline is usually tolerated because it has minimal side effects. Cabergoline treatment may be used for years to achieve the required shrinkage of the tumor. Transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas is rarely indicated because of the efficient medical therapy that is available. Irradiation has no place in treating these adenomas. Click here to return to the questions

Hospital Physician     JCOM     Seminars in Medical Practice Hospital Physician Board Review Manuals About TWC    Subscribe    Contact TWC    Home    Search   Site Map Copyright © 2009, Turner White Communications Updated 1/04/08 • kkj