Cabergoline Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Cabergoline is an FDA-approved preparation containing Cabergoline, for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
Veterinarians most commonly consider cabergoline in the context of false pregnancy (pseudopregnancy), galactostasis and reproductive cycle management in intact female dogs. It is a prescription medication in the ergot-derived dopamine agonist class, frequently considered for patients where managing prolactin levels is a clinical priority. Your veterinarian will determine whether this medication is appropriate based on your pet's reproductive status and clinical presentation.
At a pharmacological level, cabergoline is considered to act primarily by stimulating dopamine D2 receptors on lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. This activity is associated with inhibition of prolactin secretion. Because prolactin is the primary driver of the physiological and behavioral signs associated with false pregnancy — including mammary gland development, milk production and maternal nesting behaviors — managing prolactin levels through this pathway is the basis for its veterinary application. Cabergoline may also be considered in the context of certain pituitary conditions where prolactin is a relevant clinical factor. Your veterinarian will determine the clinical appropriateness of this preparation based on your pet's reproductive history and diagnostic findings.
The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.
Commonly observed effects following the administration of cabergoline include localized digestive changes such as vomiting, decreased appetite or loose stools. Because dopamine agonists can influence the central nervous system, some pets may exhibit behavioral shifts including lethargy or a slight drop in blood pressure (hypotension). Veterinarians have also observed that cabergoline may influence the timing of future estrus cycles in intact female dogs. Owners should monitor their pet for any signs of significant discomfort or persistent nausea and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns.
This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in patients with known severe hepatic or renal impairment or those with a history of cardiovascular disease. Because it may help address the production of prolactin, which is necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy in certain species, it is avoided in pregnant animals unless the clinical objective is pregnancy termination as directed by a veterinarian. Before starting a protocol, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other prescriptions your pet is receiving, as interactions can occur with medications that antagonize dopamine, such as certain anti-nausea medications. Your veterinarian is the right person to provide guidance on the necessary duration of use and the proper monitoring schedule to ensure the management approach remains suitable for your pet's health status.
Yes. Cabergoline is a prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all authorizations before any medication is prepared or shipped to your home.
Yes. While cabergoline is available in several commercial formats, Mixlab specializes in compounding the active ingredient into customized strengths and flavored dosage forms—such as flavored oral liquids or smaller capsules—to suit the specific needs of dogs and cats. The decision between a commercial and compounded product rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss cabergoline in cases of false pregnancy because it acts on the pituitary gland to help address the release of prolactin. By addressing prolactin levels, the medication manages the physical symptoms like mammary enlargement and milk production, as well as the nesting behaviors often associated with this condition.
Digestive upset, including vomiting and decreased appetite, is a commonly observed effect of dopamine agonists like cabergoline. Your veterinarian may recommend administering the medication with food or discuss other management strategies to help minimize localized stomach irritation during the course of use.
