Cabergoline vs RAD-140
FDA Approved vs Emerging
synergistic Mechanism-based · 46% RAD-140 supports hormonal recovery from suppression caused by Cabergoline. Standard protocol — begin PCT after the suppressive compound has cleared based on its half-life.
Molecular Data
Cabergoline RAD-140
Weight 451.60 Da 393.83 Da
Half-life ~63-69 hours ~60 hours
Type Ergoline-derived dopamine D2 receptor agonist Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (C20H16ClN5O2)
Key Benefits
Cabergoline
01 Potent suppression of prolactin levels, often normalizing them within days
02 Prevents and reverses prolactin-related gynecomastia from 19-nor compounds
03 Restores sexual function impaired by hyperprolactinemia (libido, erectile function, orgasm)
04 Long half-life (63-69 hours) allows convenient twice-weekly dosing
05 Significantly better tolerated than bromocriptine with fewer gastrointestinal side effects
06 Effective at shrinking prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors
07 Low doses required for bodybuilding prolactin management (0.25-0.5mg twice weekly)
RAD-140
01 Potent anabolic activity in muscle tissue with high oral bioavailability
02 Tissue-selective action sparing the prostate and other androgen-sensitive organs
03 No aromatization to estrogen (no estrogen-related side effects such as water retention or gynecomastia)
04 No conversion to DHT (reduced risk of hair loss and prostate stimulation compared to testosterone)
05 Long half-life (~60 hours) permitting convenient once-daily oral dosing
06 Neuroprotective properties observed in preclinical models
07 Increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass in preclinical studies
Side Effects
Cabergoline
Nausea (especially during initial doses; mitigated by taking with food)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache
Nasal congestion or stuffiness
Fatigue or drowsiness
Orthostatic hypotension (feeling faint when standing up quickly)
RAD-140
Testosterone suppression (dose-dependent, occurs in virtually all users by week 4-6)
Liver enzyme elevation (ALT, AST increases reported in clinical and anecdotal data)
Hair shedding (temporary, typically resolves after discontinuation)
Headaches (most common in the first 1-2 weeks, often transient)
Nausea (mild, usually with initial doses or on an empty stomach)
Lipid disruption (HDL suppression, LDL elevation)
Mild insomnia or sleep disturbance
Reduced libido and mood changes related to testosterone suppression
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to cabergoline or any ergot alkaloid
History of cardiac valvular disease or clinically significant valvular regurgitation
History of pulmonary, pericardial, or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders
Uncontrolled hypertension
Concurrent use of dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics, antiemetics acting on D2 receptors)
Severe hepatic impairment (cabergoline is extensively metabolized by the liver)
Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes at baseline
Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate cancer, certain breast cancers not being treated under clinical supervision)
Pregnancy or potential pregnancy (teratogenic risk from androgen receptor agonism)
Breastfeeding
Age under 25 (incomplete endocrine system maturation and higher risk of HPG axis disruption)
Concurrent use of hepatotoxic medications without medical supervision
Known cardiovascular disease (insufficient safety data for this population)
Research Evidence
Cabergoline RAD-140
Status FDA Approved Emerging
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest — July 2020
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.