February 6, 2024
Danazol is a synthetic androgen derived from ethisterone. Firstly, it is important to note its origin.
Usual Adult Dose: Take 100 mg to 200 mg orally twice daily. Severe cases of endometriosis may require an initial dosage of 400 mg orally two times a day. Furthermore, therapy initiation should occur during menstruation or with a sensitive pregnancy test to confirm non-pregnancy.
Additionally, the dosage should be adjusted after amenorrhea develops. I would suggest continuing therapy for 3 to 6 months, up to 9 months, if necessary. Pain and tenderness resolve within 1 to 3 months, while elimination of nodules may take 4 to 6 months.
To prevent angioedema, we recommend reducing dosage at 1 to 3-month intervals. Lastly, adjusting the dosage is necessary if reversible oligospermia occurs in adult males.
Cardiovascular effects: edema and congestive heart failure. Correspondingly, endocrine effects inhibit estrogen synthesis, leading to flushing, sweating, vaginal dryness, reduced breast size, and inhibition of testosterone and spermatogenesis.
Metabolic effects include increased LDL, decreased HDL, and glucose tolerance changes. Genitourinary effects involve oligospermia, decreased ejaculatory volume, and possible prostatic enlargement in elderly males. Gastrointestinal effects encompass nausea, vomiting, and rare cases of pancreatitis.
Reducing dosage at 1—to 3-month intervals is recommended to prevent angioedema.
Virilization in female patients may result in a deepening voice, hirsutism, acne, clitoromegaly (rare), and menstrual abnormalities. In case of mild virilization signs, discontinuation is advised. Other effects to consider are altered libido, hematologic risks, renal effects, rare hepatic neoplasms, and caution in acute intermittent porphyria.
Danazol is contraindicated during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is no available lactation data.
Danazol inhibits the pituitary release of FSH and LH, reducing gonadal steroid synthesis. Additionally, it exhibits weak dose-related androgenic activity. Furthermore, it increases C1 esterase inhibitor levels and C4 component concentrations. Approved for endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema prevention.
Moreover, it is used in various conditions such as gynecomastia, menorrhagia, precocious puberty, and certain anemias. Rapid and complete oral absorption occurs, with peak levels reached within 2 hours. Bioavailability increases when taken with food.
Modest increases in serum concentrations are observed with dosage increases.
Additionally, it is metabolized to various active and inactive metabolites, with ethisterone as an active metabolite. Excretion primarily occurs in the kidneys and feces, with extensive enterohepatic circulation.
Visit Core Medical Group for more information.
