Danazol is a medication with the active ingredient danazol. It is also known by the brand names Danocrine and Danol. Danazol is used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema.
The price spectrum for Danazol is set between £1.2 and £3.64 per pills. It’s mainly based on the pack’s volume and the strength of its active ingredients (30 or 180 mg).
Danazol is a synthetic androgen with antigonadotropic properties, used primarily for the treatment of endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. It works by inhibiting the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, thus reducing ovarian activity and estrogen production.
Danazol exerts its effects through its interaction with androgen receptors, leading to decreased production of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the anterior pituitary. This suppression results in reduced ovarian hormone synthesis, mitigating symptoms related to endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease.
Danazol is well-absorbed orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 2 to 8 hours post-administration. It has a half-life of 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Danazol is metabolized in the liver and primarily excreted as metabolites in the urine, with a minor percentage excreted in feces.
Indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. Additionally, Danazol may be used in patients with hereditary angioedema to prevent and treat attacks of angioedema.
For endometriosis, the typical starting dose is 200–400 mg daily in divided doses. For fibrocystic breast disease, the usual dosage ranges from 100–400 mg daily. For hereditary angioedema, dosing must be individualized based on clinical response, typically between 200–600 mg daily.
Danazol should be taken orally with food to enhance its absorption. The dosage may be adjusted based on therapeutic response and tolerability, with routine monitoring of patient response to therapy.
Danazol is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, active or history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disease, severe hepatic impairment, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. It is also contraindicated in patients with porphyria.
Danazol may interact with warfarin, increasing its anticoagulant effect. Co-administration with statins may increase the risk of myopathy. Danazol can enhance the effects of cyclosporine and tacrolimus, requiring dose adjustments. Concurrent administration with carbamazepine and rifampin may reduce the efficacy of Danazol.
Common adverse effects include weight gain, acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, and voice changes. Serious side effects can include thromboembolic events, liver function abnormalities, and intracranial hypertension. Patients should be monitored for signs of adverse reactions throughout treatment.
Regular liver function tests should be conducted to detect hepatotoxicity. Lipid profiles should be monitored, as Danazol can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Periodic assessment of hematologic parameters is recommended, especially in long-term therapy cases.
In the elderly, dose adjustments may be required due to age-related hepatic and renal function impairments. Pediatric use is not recommended due to insufficient safety and efficacy data. In patients with renal impairment, caution and possible dosage adjustments are necessary.
Store Danazol at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep the medication in a tightly sealed container, away from excessive heat, moisture, and light. Ensure that it is kept out of reach of children.
If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as they remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, they should skip the missed dose and resume their usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Unneeded or expired Danazol should be disposed of properly. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater or household trash. Use drug take-back programs if available, or consult a pharmacist for appropriate disposal methods.
In case of overdose, supportive care and symptomatic treatment should be provided. There is no specific antidote for Danazol overdose. Consideration should be given to the patient’s clinical status and the extent of overdose toxicity.