HPC
HPC Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? HPC is a brand name. Its generic name is Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate.
HPC
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate (brand name Delalutin) is a synthetic progestin used to treat threatened miscarriages. It is a form of progesterone, a naturally-occurring hormone involved in the menstrual cycle.
Uses For
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is used to help prevent preterm labor and birth in women pregnant with more than one fetus. It may help to reduce the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women who have previously had a preterm baby. It may be used in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage.
Mechanism of Action
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a synthetic form of progesterone, a hormone critical for pregnancy. It is thought to work by helping to maintain the uterine lining and by preparing the body for labor. It may also act as a relaxant for the uterus, helping to delay premature labor, and possibly by enhancing fetal lung development.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
The effects of hydroxyprogesterone caproate may take some time to be seen. It is unclear how long it may take for the effects of this drug to be seen. It is important to take hydroxyprogesterone caproate as prescribed to maximize the effects of the medicine.
Absorption
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is primarily absorbed in the intestine. It is slowly absorbed and reaches peak levels in the blood from 8 to 12 hours after the injection. It is widely distributed throughout the body.
Route of Elimination
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. It is also eliminated in bile and to a lesser extent through faeces.
Dosage
The standard dosage for hydroxyprogesterone caproate is 250mg given intramuscularly every week beginning at 16 to 20 weeks of gestation and continuing until about 36 weeks gestation.
Administration
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is given intramuscularly (into the muscle). It should be injected into the rigid outer muscle of the buttocks,it should not be injected into a vein or any other part of the body.
Side Effect
Common side effects of hydroxyprogesterone caproate include abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, bloating, and joint or muscle pain. If these side effects persist or become severe, contact your doctor. Rarely, but more serious side effects may include an allergic reaction (e.g. hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). If these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Toxicity
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is generally considered to have a low toxicity profile for use during pregnancy. This drug has been studied in several large clinical trials and no increased risk of birth defects or other developmental abnormalities have been seen.
Precaution
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate should not be used in women who have an allergy to progesterone or any of the ingredients in the medication. This medication can cause dizziness. Women who take this medication should not drive or operate machinery until they know how they will be affected by the medication. Women taking this medication should not drink alcohol.
Interaction
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate may interact with other medications or supplements and can have serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking any new medications.
Disease Interaction
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate may interact with certain diseases, such as uncontrolled bleeding, breast cancer, or endometriosis. Talk to your doctor before taking hydroxyprogesterone caproate if you have any chronic health issues.
Drug Interaction
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate may interact with other medications, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, antifungals, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, steroids, and anticoagulants. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medications.
Food Interactions
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate may interact with certain foods. Some foods, including grapefruit, may decrease the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor before eating any new foods while taking hydroxyprogesterone caproate.
Pregnancy Use
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is generally safe to use during pregnancy. It should only be used if there is a clear need and if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Consult your doctor before using this medication.
Lactation Use
The safety of hydroxyprogesterone caproate in breastfeeding women is not known. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medication.
Acute Overdose
Acute overdose of hydroxyprogesterone caproate is not expected to cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor or poison control center for specific advice if you believe you have taken an overdose of this medication.
Contraindication
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate should not be used in women who have an allergy to progesterone or any of the ingredients in the medication. It should also not be used in women with estrogen-sensitive cancers, severe liver or kidney disease, or an existing blood clot.
Use Direction
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is usually given intramuscularly. It should be injected into the rigid outer muscle of the buttocks, it should not be injected into a vein or any other part of the body. Follow your doctor’s instructions for proper use.
Storage Condition
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate should be stored at room temperature. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is distributed widely throughout the body. Its volume of distribution is about 1.4 to 2.2 liters/kg.
Half Life
The half-life of hydroxyprogesterone caproate is about 52 hours. This means that it takes about 52 hours for the drug to be completely eliminated from the body.
Clearance
The clearance of hydroxyprogesterone caproate is about 2.1 L/hr/kg. This rate of elimination is slow compared to other drugs with similar properties.
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