From the FDA Drug Label
Food-Drug Interaction In 12 healthy adult volunteers, food did not alter cabergoline kinetics.
Cabergoline can be taken with or without food, as food does not affect its kinetics 1.
From the Research
Cabergoline can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food is generally recommended to reduce the risk of stomach upset. This medication, which is commonly used to treat conditions like hyperprolactinemia and Parkinson's disease, is typically taken once or twice a week depending on your specific condition and doctor's instructions. The standard starting dose is often 0.25 mg twice weekly, which may be gradually increased if needed. If you experience nausea or dizziness when taking cabergoline, having it with a meal can help minimize these side effects. This recommendation is based on how cabergoline is absorbed and metabolized by the body - food can help buffer the medication's effects on the stomach lining while not significantly affecting its overall absorption, as seen in studies such as 2. Remember to take cabergoline at approximately the same time on your scheduled days to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding timing and dosage for your particular situation, considering the potential for side effects as noted in studies like 3 and the efficacy as discussed in 4.
Some key points to consider when taking cabergoline include:
- The medication's long duration of effect, allowing for once or twice weekly dosing 2
- Its efficacy in suppressing prolactin levels, as demonstrated in various studies 2, 5, 4
- The potential for side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness, which may be mitigated by taking the medication with food 2, 5, 4
- The importance of consistent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels of the medication in the body 6
Given the information available, the most recent and highest quality study directly addressing the question of whether cabergoline can be taken with or without food is not explicitly provided, but based on the general principles of pharmacology and the information given in the studies, taking cabergoline with food is a reasonable approach to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.