Danazol

What is it?

Composition

Danazol includes an active substance, as well as auxiliary components that ensure its stability and effectiveness. The main elements of the composition:

• Active substance: danazol in a dosage of 100 mg or 200 mg, depending on the dosage form.
• Additional substances: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, talc and magnesium stearate, which serve as fillers and stabilizers.
• The capsule shell consists of gelatin and titanium dioxide (E171), which gives a white color.
• Dyes (iron oxides red and yellow) are added to the capsule shell to identify dosages.
• Marking ink containing shellac, soy lecithin and black iron oxide (E172).

The composition is designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and ensure ease of use.

How to use?

Proper use of Danazol is important to achieve maximum therapeutic effect. The drug should be taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the recommended dosage and regimen.

1. The standard dose for the treatment of endometriosis or fibrocystic mastopathy is 200-800 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. The duration of the course of treatment can vary from 3 to 6 months, depending on the patients condition.
2. For the prevention of hereditary angioedema, the initial dosage is usually 200 mg twice a day. Once symptoms are controlled, the dose can be reduced to the minimum effective dose.
3. The capsules should be swallowed whole with plenty of water. The drug is taken regardless of food intake, but to reduce the risk of stomach irritation, it is recommended to take it after meals.

It is important for patients to avoid exceeding the recommended doses, and also not to stop treatment on their own to avoid worsening the condition.

How does it work?

Danazol has a complex effect on the body due to its antigonadotropic properties. Its main mechanism of action is to suppress the production of gonadotropins - hormones that regulate the functioning of the ovaries and other organs of the reproductive system.

The drug reduces the level of estrogens and progesterone, which leads to inhibition of the growth of pathological tissues associated with endometriosis and mastopathy. This helps to reduce pain and discomfort caused by inflammatory processes and hormonal imbalance.

In addition, danazol improves cellular metabolism and suppresses inflammatory reactions. In the treatment of hereditary angioedema, it prevents attacks by stabilizing cell membranes and increasing the synthesis of C1-esterase inhibitor. This effect reduces vascular permeability, reducing edema.

Indications

Danazol is recommended for the treatment of a number of conditions associated with hormonal imbalance or hereditary disorders. The main indications include:

• Endometriosis - pain relief and suppression of endometriotic tissue growth.
• Fibrocystic breast disease - relief of symptoms, including pain and lumps in the mammary glands.
• Hereditary angioedema - prevention and treatment of attacks, including swelling of the upper respiratory tract, skin and abdominal symptoms.
• Dysmenorrhea - to eliminate pain syndromes associated with menstruation (as prescribed by a doctor).
• Use in complex therapy of some forms of infertility associated with endocrine disorders (according to individual indications).

Before starting treatment, a doctors consultation is necessary, since the drug has specific mechanisms of action and requires accurate diagnosis.

Contraindications

Danazol has a number of contraindications associated with its effect on the hormonal system and metabolism. The use of the drug is prohibited in the following cases:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, as the drug may adversely affect the development of the fetus or infant.
• Serious liver disease, such as cirrhosis or active hepatitis, due to the risk of toxic effects on the organ.
• Severe heart failure or other cardiovascular diseases.
• Renal failure, as the drug is excreted through the kidneys and can increase the load on them.
• Porphyria is a rare genetic disease associated with a violation of heme metabolism.
• Malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands or genitals.
• Hypersensitivity to danazol or any of the auxiliary components of the drug.

Before prescribing Danazol, it is important to undergo a complete medical examination to exclude possible risks.

Side effects

Like any drug, Danazol can cause side effects that depend on the individual characteristics of the body and the duration of treatment. The most common side effects include:

• Hormonal changes: decreased menstruation or their absence (amenorrhea), weight gain, increased hair growth on the body (hirsutism), deepening of the voice.
• Skin manifestations: acne, oily skin, sweating.
• Psychoemotional reactions: mood changes, irritability, headaches, sleep disturbances.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, heartburn, rarely - abdominal pain.
• Rare reactions: swelling, muscle cramps, increased liver enzymes, joint pain.

If severe side effects appear or the condition worsens, you must consult a doctor to adjust the dosage or discontinue the drug.