Benzol

Benzol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Benzol is a brand name. Its generic name is Danazol.

Introduction

Benzol is an orally active synthetic derivative of testosterone. It is marketed as a prophylactic treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema (HAE). It is used in women and men to treat symptoms of hormone-related conditions, such as endometriosis, Fibrocystic Breast Disease (FBD), and angioedema.

Uses

Benzol is used to treat:

• Endometriosis, a condition where cells from the lining of the uterus migrate outside of the uterus and attach to other parts inside the body
• Fibrocystic breast disease, a condition where benign lumps are formed in the breasts
• Hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare condition that causes the swelling of the face, tongue and other body parts
• Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous tumors in the uterus

Mechanism of Action

Benzol works by blocking the action of hormones responsible for the development of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and angioedema. It also blocks the production of gonadotropins and decreases the production of ovarian androgens. As a result, danazol reduces the symptoms associated with these conditions.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

The effects of danazol may be noticed in as little as a few days, but the full effects typically take 4 to 6 weeks to appear. It is important to note that danazol does not cure endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, or hereditary angioedema. It only controls the symptoms while taking the medication. When treatment is discontinued, the symptoms may return.

Absorption

Benzol is absorbed rapidly and completely after oral administration. Its bioavailability (i.e., absorption) is about 95%.

Route of Elimination

Benzol is eliminated mainly via the urine and small amounts are also eliminated in the feces.

Dosage

Benzol is available as a tablet or capsule in the following strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg. Depending on the condition being treated, your doctor may prescribe 100 mg to 400 mg of danazol per day in divided doses.

Administration

Benzol is typically taken with meals or at bedtime. To reduce the risk of side effects, take it with food or a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets, as this can lead to an increased risk of side effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects associated with danazol include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Weight change
• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased facial hair growth
• Tenderness and enlargement of male breast tissue
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Decreased sex drive

Toxicity

High doses of danazol can cause serious toxicity, including liver and kidney toxicity. The symptoms of danazol toxicity include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, itching and rash.

Precaution

Benzol should not be used in individuals who have had a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to danazol or any of its components. People with liver disease, kidney disease or diabetes should discuss the use of danazol with their doctor before starting treatment. Benzol can cause female birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, danazol should not be taken by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Women taking danazol should also use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Interaction

Benzol may interact with other medicines, vitamins, herbs or supplements. Examples of medicines that may interact with danazol include oral contraceptives, warfarin, amiodarone, cimetidine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin and St. John's wort. Herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic, may also interact with danazol. It is important to tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking before starting danazol.

Disease interaction

Benzol can interact with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease. It is important to talk to your doctor about any chronic illness you have before starting danazol.

Drug Interactions

It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially if they are oral contraceptives. Benzol can also interact with other drugs like warfarin, amiodarone, cimetidine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampin.

Food Interactions

Benzol should not be taken with or after a high-fat meal as it can reduce its absorption. It can also interact with grapefruit juice as it can increase the amount of the drug in the body.

Pregnancy Use

Benzol should not be used by women who are pregnant as it can cause female birth defects. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking danazol. Benzol can pass into breastmilk and may harm a nursing infant. Therefore, danazol should not be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

Lactation Use

Benzol is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women due to the risk of adverse effects on the infant. Benzol can pass into breastmilk and may harm a nursing infant. Therefore, danazol should not be used if you are breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

Acute Overdose

The symptoms of an acute overdose of danazol may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, rash, dizziness, or drowsiness. If you or anyone else has taken too much danazol, contact your doctor or poison control center immediately.

Contraindication

Benzol is contraindicated in individuals who have had a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to danazol or any of its components. It is also contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use Direction

Benzol should be taken with food or a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets, as this can lead to an increased risk of side effects. The dose should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in the body.

Storage Condition

Benzol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not store in the bathroom or near sources of heat or moisture. Keep the medication in the original container and away from children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of danazol is 4.8 liters/kilogram.

Half Life

Benzol has an elimination half-life of 5 to 6 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of danazol is 40 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Here you find in details version of Benzol

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Benzol

What is Benzol?

Benzol is a synthetic hormone and prescription medication used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema. It is also commonly used as an off-label treatment for gynecomastia.

How does Benzol work?

Benzol binds to androgen receptors and reduces the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. This helps suppress the production of female hormones and prevents the body from producing eggs. It may also reduce inflammation, which is useful in treating conditions such as endometriosis and hereditary angioedema.

What are the side effects of Benzol?

Common side effects of Benzol include weight gain, acne, hot flashes, abnormal hair growth, and changes in menstruation. Some serious side effects may include liver damage, high blood pressure, depression, and an increased risk of blood clots or stroke.

Is Benzol safe to take during pregnancy?

Benzol is not safe to take during pregnancy and can cause harm to a developing fetus. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take Benzol.

What is the recommended dosage of Benzol?

The recommended dosage of Benzol depends on the condition being treated and the individual patient. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Benzol.

What are the possible drug interactions of Benzol?

Benzol may interact with certain medications, such as phenytoin, tolbutamide, cyclosporine, oral contraceptives, and warfarin. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking Benzol.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Benzol?

If you miss a dose of Benzol, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Benzol?

You should not drink alcohol while taking Benzol. Drinking alcohol may increase some of the side effects of Benzol and can increase the risk of liver damage.

What is the best way to store Benzol?

Benzol should be stored at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store Benzol in the bathroom or near heat or moisture.

Should I use birth control while taking Benzol?

Yes, you should use a form of birth control while taking Benzol. Benzol can interact with certain types of birth control and can make them less effective, so it’s important to use a form of birth control that is not affected by Benzol.

What if I experience abdominal pain while taking Benzol?

Abdominal pain is a common side effect of Benzol, but if the pain is severe or persists, you should speak with your doctor right away. Severe abdominal pain could be a sign of internal bleeding or liver damage.

Can I take Benzol if I have an allergy to shellfish?

Yes, you can take Benzol if you have an allergy to shellfish. Benzol does not contain any shellfish or shellfish derivatives.

How long does it take for Benzol to work?

Benzol starts to work within a few hours of taking it. However, the full effects of Benzol are usually seen after a few weeks of taking the medication.

What is the usual duration of treatment with Benzol?

The usual duration of treatment with Benzol depends on the condition being treated and the patient's individual response. Generally, it is recommended that patients take Benzol for as long as the doctor prescribes.

Can Benzol interact with other drugs?

Yes, Benzol can interact with other medications, such as phenytoin, tolbutamide, cyclosporine, oral contraceptives, and warfarin. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking Benzol.

Does Benzol alter my fertility?

Yes, Benzol can alter fertility. It decreases the production of female sex hormones, which can lead to a decrease in fertility.

At what age can I safely take Benzol?

Benzol is approved for use in adults and is not safe for people under the age of 18. Children should not take Benzol unless advised by a doctor.

Can Benzol cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is a common side effect of Benzol. If you experience excessive weight gain while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.

Is Benzol an anti-inflammatory medication?

Benzol is not an anti-inflammatory medication. It helps suppress the production of female hormones and prevent the body from producing eggs, which can be beneficial in treating certain conditions such as endometriosis and hereditary angioedema.

What is the difference between Benzol and testosterone?

Benzol is a synthetic hormone and prescription medication used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema. Testosterone is a hormone that helps regulate male secondary sex characteristics. Benzol and testosterone are both hormones, but they have different functions.

Is Benzol approved by the FDA?

Yes, Benzol is approved by the FDA for use in adults. It is not approved for children or women who are pregnant.

Is the use of Benzol restricted?

Yes, the use of Benzol is restricted. It is not approved for use in children, women who are pregnant, or women who are breastfeeding. It is also not recommended for people who have liver disease or certain cancers.

Can I buy Benzol over the counter?

No, Benzol is a prescription medication and is not available over the counter. You must get a prescription from your doctor before taking Benzol.

Can Benzol cause mood swings?

Yes, mood swings are a potential side effect of Benzol. If you experience mood swings while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.

Can Benzol be taken long-term?

Yes, Benzol can be taken long-term, but it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and to have regular checkups while taking the medication.

Is Benzol used to treat endometriosis?

Yes, Benzol is used to treat endometriosis by reducing inflammation and suppressing the production of female hormones. It can also help reduce the size of endometriosis lesions.

What are the common side effects of Benzol?

Common side effects of Benzol include weight gain, acne, hot flashes, abnormal hair growth, and changes in menstruation. Some serious side effects may include liver damage, high blood pressure, depression, and an increased risk of blood clots or stroke.

Can Benzol cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss is a potential side effect of Benzol. If you experience sudden or excessive hair loss while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.

Is Benzol used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome?

Yes, Benzol is sometimes used off-label to treat polycystic ovary syndrome. However, there are other treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome that may be more effective.

Can I take Benzol if I am breastfeeding?

No, Benzol is not safe for women who are breastfeeding. You should discuss alternate treatments with your doctor.

Can Benzol cause depression?

Yes, depression is a potential side effect of Benzol. If you experience depression while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.

Can Benzol cause development of male characteristics?

Yes, Benzol can cause development of male characteristics in women, including facial hair and a deepening of the voice. If you experience any changes in your physical characteristics while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.

Can Benzol cause liver problems?

Yes, liver problems are a potential side effect of Benzol. If you experience any signs or symptoms of liver problems while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor right away.

Can Benzol be taken with other medications?

Yes, you can take Benzol with other medications. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking Benzol, as some medications can interact with the drug and cause serious side effects.

Does taking Benzol increase the risk of blood clots?

Yes, taking Benzol can increase the risk of blood clots. If you experience any signs or symptoms of a blood clot, such as pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical help.

Can I take other medications while taking Benzol?

Yes, you can take other medications while taking Benzol, but it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking Benzol, as some medications can interact with the drug and cause serious side effects.

Can Benzol cause nausea?

Yes, nausea is a potential side effect of Benzol. If you experience nausea while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.

Can Benzol cause acne?

Yes, acne is a common side effect of Benzol. If you experience excessive or persistent acne while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.

What is the best way to take Benzol?

The best way to take Benzol is to take it as instructed by your doctor. Take Benzol at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in the body.

Can I take ibuprofen while taking Benzol?

You should not take ibuprofen while taking Benzol without first speaking with your doctor. Ibuprofen can interact with Benzol and cause serious side effects.

Is there a generic version of Benzol available?

Yes, there is a generic version of Benzol available. The generic version is known as danazol and may be less expensive than the name-brand medication.

Does Benzol cause fatigue?

Yes, fatigue is a potential side effect of Benzol. If you experience fatigue while taking Benzol, speak with your doctor.