Dopamine agonists (prolactin control)
Cabergoline vs Bromocriptine vs Pramipexole
The table compares the compounds’ key data from their entry pages. Open each compound’s full entry for details. Educational content, not medical advice.
| Cabergoline (Dostinex) | Bromocriptine (Parlodel) | Pramipexole (Mirapex) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Long-acting ergot D2 dopamine agonist. EMA-approved (1992 Pharmacia, now Pfizer) for hyperprolactinemia. In AAS: 19-Nor/Tren prolactin-control golden-standard, 0.25-0.5 mg 2x/week bloodwork-titrated. Long t1/2 ~63 h. | First-generation ergot D2 dopamine agonist, Sandoz 1972 (Parlodel). Cabergoline's predecessor; shorter half-life (~3-12 h), more vegetative side effects (nausea, hypotension). Also marketed as Cycloset (2009 FDA) for T2DM. | Non-ergot D3-D2 selective DA agonist. FDA-approved (1997 Boehringer) for Parkinson's + restless legs. AAS-PCT niche: prolactin control + sexual stimulation (D3 selectivity). FDA black-box ICD risk (impulse-control disorder). |
| Mechanism | Long-acting ergot D2 DA agonist, pituitary lactotroph prolactin suppression | First-gen ergot D1+D2 mixed DA agonist, prolactin suppression + secondary T2DM insulin sensitivity boost | Non-ergot D3-D2 selective DA agonist (D3 > D2), pituitary prolactin suppression + sexual stimulation |
| Dosing (AAS) | 0.25-0.5 mg 2x/week (Mon+Thu) bloodwork-titrated | — | 0.0625 mg evening start, max 0.25-0.5 mg/day titrated |
| Half-life | ~63-69 hours (very long) | ~3-12 hours | ~8-12 hours |
| Onset | Prolactin reduction measurable 3 h, plateau 48-72 h | Prolactin reduction 1-2 h, plateau 8-24 h | Prolactin reduction 2-4 h |
| Legal status | EMA + FDA Rx, HU + PL approved, WADA allowed (not listed) | FDA + EMA Rx, HU + PL approved, WADA allowed | FDA + EMA Rx, HU + PL approved, WADA allowed |
| Dosing (AAS prolactin) | — | 1.25-5 mg/day divided 2-3× (start 1.25 mg with food, slow titration) | — |
| Full entry | Open → | Open → | Open → |
What it is
Cabergoline (Dostinex)Long-acting ergot D2 dopamine agonist. EMA-approved (1992 Pharmacia, now Pfizer) for hyperprolactinemia. In AAS: 19-Nor/Tren prolactin-control golden-standard, 0.25-0.5 mg 2x/week bloodwork-titrated. Long t1/2 ~63 h.
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)First-generation ergot D2 dopamine agonist, Sandoz 1972 (Parlodel). Cabergoline's predecessor; shorter half-life (~3-12 h), more vegetative side effects (nausea, hypotension). Also marketed as Cycloset (2009 FDA) for T2DM.
Pramipexole (Mirapex)Non-ergot D3-D2 selective DA agonist. FDA-approved (1997 Boehringer) for Parkinson's + restless legs. AAS-PCT niche: prolactin control + sexual stimulation (D3 selectivity). FDA black-box ICD risk (impulse-control disorder).
Mechanism
Cabergoline (Dostinex)Long-acting ergot D2 DA agonist, pituitary lactotroph prolactin suppression
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)First-gen ergot D1+D2 mixed DA agonist, prolactin suppression + secondary T2DM insulin sensitivity boost
Pramipexole (Mirapex)Non-ergot D3-D2 selective DA agonist (D3 > D2), pituitary prolactin suppression + sexual stimulation
Dosing (AAS)
Cabergoline (Dostinex)0.25-0.5 mg 2x/week (Mon+Thu) bloodwork-titrated
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)—
Pramipexole (Mirapex)0.0625 mg evening start, max 0.25-0.5 mg/day titrated
Half-life
Cabergoline (Dostinex)~63-69 hours (very long)
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)~3-12 hours
Pramipexole (Mirapex)~8-12 hours
Onset
Cabergoline (Dostinex)Prolactin reduction measurable 3 h, plateau 48-72 h
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)Prolactin reduction 1-2 h, plateau 8-24 h
Pramipexole (Mirapex)Prolactin reduction 2-4 h
Legal status
Cabergoline (Dostinex)EMA + FDA Rx, HU + PL approved, WADA allowed (not listed)
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)FDA + EMA Rx, HU + PL approved, WADA allowed
Pramipexole (Mirapex)FDA + EMA Rx, HU + PL approved, WADA allowed
Dosing (AAS prolactin)
Cabergoline (Dostinex)—
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)1.25-5 mg/day divided 2-3× (start 1.25 mg with food, slow titration)
Pramipexole (Mirapex)—