The drug could enhance men's sexual pleasure.
Scientists believe they are close to developing a pill to boost male stamina, which could become as popular as Viagra.
The drug, used to treat Parkinson's disease, has been found to raise a man's chances of sustaining multiple orgasms during sex.
In trials, the drug cabergoline was prescribed to minimize the effects of the hormone prolactin, which is produced by men at the point of orgasm.
The hormone has the effect of reducing a man's desire for more sex by preventing new erections.
Normally, the 60 test people, all healthy males, between the ages of 22 and 31, needed a break of 19 minutes between lovemaking.
However, after taking Cabergoline, they were able to have several orgasms within a few minutes.
Medical psychologist Manfred Schedlowski, who was involved in the trials at Essen in Germany, said the drug raised the libido to enable the male to orgasm again more quickly.
He said: "We saw that prolactin rises after orgasm and then thought maybe prolactin is a negative feedback system.
"Subjects who took this drug had decreased prolactin levels, and reported their orgasm was better and there was a shorter refractory period.
"We interviewed these subjects and found they were able to have multiple orgasms in very rapid succession.
"This is sitting very nicely with our hypothesis that orgasms and sexual drive are steered by prolactin and dopamine in the brain."
The drug had no side effects on men during the tests, according to an article to be published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.
The researchers now plan to carry out trials to investigate whether cabergoline will have the same effect on women.
The market for drugs like Viagra has swelled and is thought to be worth about £1bn.
It is thought cabergoline could have similar potential.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Dostinex
USES:
Dostinex is used to treat certain hormone problems (excess prolactin). The drug is used to
reduce or prevent breast milk production, except after childbirth (postpartum).
OTHER USES:
Dostinex may also be used for Parkinson's disease, prolactin-producing tumors and to
adjust various hormone levels in certain diseases (ovarian diseases).
HOW TO USE Dostinex:
Dostinex is taken by mouth twice weekly. Dosage is adjusted generally at 4 week periods
based on blood tests (prolactin). Follow all instructions.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Unusual weakness or fatigue, nausea or vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness,
drowsiness, tingling or numbness sensation may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify
your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly any mental/mood changes. Very unlikely but
report promptly any fainting, swelling of feet or ankles, breast pain or menstrual changes
or vision problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using Dostinex, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies
(especially drug allergies), liver disease, psychiatric illness, uncontrolled high blood
pressure or high blood pressure during pregnancy. Limit alcohol as it may aggravate side
effects of Dostinex. Caution performing tasks requiring alertness, such as driving. To
avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up
slowly. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known
if Dostinex is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using Dostinex is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use,
especially medications for high blood pressure, "dopamine blockers" (e.g.,
metoclopramide, antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol) or drugs that may
cause drowsiness (e.g., sedatives, medicines for sleep, narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
codeine), anti-anxiety or anti- narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), muslce relaxants and of anti-anxiety and
anti-seizure drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately.
NOTES:
Do not share Dostinex with others.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light
and moisture.
