Are cabergoline and bromocriptine the same medicine?

Cabergoline and bromocriptine, although both are used to treat conditions involving dopamine receptors, are two very different drugs.

The main component of cabergoline is cabergoline, which is a synthetic ergot derivative that has the characteristics of strong, long-acting and selective binding to dopamine receptors. Bromocriptine usually refers to bromocriptine mesylate. Its main component is bromocriptine mesylate, which is also a derivative of ergoline. As a dopamine receptor agonist, it plays a role in the treatment of various diseases.

Cabergoline is primarily used to treat disorders associated with hyperprolactinemia, such as Parkinson's disease, and is also used as an experimental treatment for breast cancer. Bromocriptine has a wider range of uses. It is not only used to treat prolactin-dependent menstrual cycle disorders, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, but also for the treatment of hyperprolactinoma, acromegaly and other diseases.

After taking cabergoline, patients may experience adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, lowered blood pressure, and indigestion. In contrast, possible side effects of bromocriptine include headache, nausea, vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. In terms of contraindications, people who are allergic to cabergoline and lactating women should avoid using cabergoline; while women after childbirth and patients with puerperal hypertension should not use bromocriptine.

Cabergoline is usually taken on an empty stomach, while bromocriptine is recommended with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. The taking and dosage adjustment of both drugs should be done under the guidance of a doctor.