Danazol

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

Introduction

Danazol 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

Danazol 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

Danazol 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

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

Route of Elimination

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

Dosage

Danazol 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

Danazol 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

Danazol 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. Danazol 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

Danazol 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

Danazol 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. Danazol can also interact with other drugs like warfarin, amiodarone, cimetidine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampin.

Food Interactions

Danazol 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

Danazol 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. Danazol 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

Danazol is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women due to the risk of adverse effects on the infant. Danazol 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

Danazol 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

Danazol 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

Danazol 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

Danazol 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 Danazol

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Danazol

What is Danazol?

Danazol 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 Danazol work?

Danazol 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 Danazol?

Common side effects of Danazol 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 Danazol safe to take during pregnancy?

Danazol 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 Danazol.

What is the recommended dosage of Danazol?

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

What are the possible drug interactions of Danazol?

Danazol 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 Danazol.

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

If you miss a dose of Danazol, 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 Danazol?

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

What is the best way to store Danazol?

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

Should I use birth control while taking Danazol?

Yes, you should use a form of birth control while taking Danazol. Danazol 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 Danazol.

What if I experience abdominal pain while taking Danazol?

Abdominal pain is a common side effect of Danazol, 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 Danazol if I have an allergy to shellfish?

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

How long does it take for Danazol to work?

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

What is the usual duration of treatment with Danazol?

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

Can Danazol interact with other drugs?

Yes, Danazol 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 Danazol.

Does Danazol alter my fertility?

Yes, Danazol 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 Danazol?

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

Can Danazol cause weight gain?

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

Is Danazol an anti-inflammatory medication?

Danazol 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 Danazol and testosterone?

Danazol 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. Danazol and testosterone are both hormones, but they have different functions.

Is Danazol approved by the FDA?

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

Is the use of Danazol restricted?

Yes, the use of Danazol 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 Danazol over the counter?

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

Can Danazol cause mood swings?

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

Can Danazol be taken long-term?

Yes, Danazol 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 Danazol used to treat endometriosis?

Yes, Danazol 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 Danazol?

Common side effects of Danazol 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 Danazol cause hair loss?

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

Is Danazol used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome?

Yes, Danazol 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 Danazol if I am breastfeeding?

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

Can Danazol cause depression?

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

Can Danazol cause development of male characteristics?

Yes, Danazol 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 Danazol, speak with your doctor.

Can Danazol cause liver problems?

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

Can Danazol be taken with other medications?

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

Does taking Danazol increase the risk of blood clots?

Yes, taking Danazol 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 Danazol?

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

Can Danazol cause nausea?

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

Can Danazol cause acne?

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

What is the best way to take Danazol?

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

Can I take ibuprofen while taking Danazol?

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

Is there a generic version of Danazol available?

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

Does Danazol cause fatigue?

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