How long does it take for cabergoline to take effect and changes in blood prolactin?

Cabergoline is a dopamine receptor agonist mainly used to reduce prolactin (PRL) levels in patients with hyperprolactinemia. Its mechanism of action is to inhibit the secretion of pituitary mammary stimulating hormone by stimulating dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, thereby effectively reducing blood prolactin concentration and relieving symptoms related to hyperprolactinemia, such as irregular menstruation, infertility, galactorrhea, etc.

After taking cabergoline, blood prolactin levels usually begin to decrease within a few hours, but it generally takes about one to two weeks of continuous use to achieve significant clinical effects. In some patients, a downward trend in blood prolactin can be observed in the first week after starting the medication, while improvement of clinical symptoms, such as reduction of galactorrhea or recovery of menstrual cycle, may take several weeks to a month. The efficacy varies depending on individual patient differences, dosage and condition.

During long-term use, cabergoline can maintain blood prolactin at normal or near-normal levels, thereby improving reproductive and endocrine symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia. Doctors usually monitor blood prolactin levels regularly during the early stages of treatment and adjust the dose based on patient response to achieve optimal efficacy and the lowest risk of side effects. A dose that is too low may result in an insignificant decrease in blood prolactin, while a dose that is too high may cause adverse reactions such as headache, hypotension, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Generally speaking, cabergoline has a rapid onset of action, and blood prolactin levels can decrease within hours to days after taking the drug. Continuous use of cabergoline can maintain a stable effect and improve related symptoms. Patients should strictly abide by the doctor's instructions during use, not stop the medication at will or adjust the dosage on their own, and regularly review blood prolactin and related reproductive hormone indicators to ensure the safety of treatment and maximize the efficacy.
Reference: https://www.drugs.com/