A Comparison of Cabergoline and Bromocriptine in the Treatment of Hyperprolactinemic Amenorrhea

In a study published in 1994, 459 women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea were treated with either cabergoline (0.5 to 1.0 mg twice weekly) or bromocriptine (2.5 to 5.0 mg twice daily) for 24 weeks. The study found that cabergoline was more effective and better tolerated than bromocriptine. Stable normoprolactinemia was achieved in 83% of women treated with cabergoline compared to 59% with bromocriptine. Additionally, 72% of women on cabergoline had ovulatory cycles or became pregnant, versus 52% on bromocriptine. Adverse effects were less frequent and severe with cabergoline, leading to a lower discontinuation rate (3% for cabergoline vs. 12% for bromocriptine). The conclusion was that cabergoline is a more effective and better-tolerated treatment option for women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea.