Conjugated Estrogens (Premarin)

Category:

  • Hormonal  

Description:

  • Estrogen hormone

Indications:

  • Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, etc.)

  • Atrophic vaginitis and kraurosis vulvae

  • Female hypogonadism

  • Female castration and primary ovarian failure

  • Breast cancer (palliation only)

  • Prostatic carcinoma

  • Osteoporosis prophylaxis

  • Postpartum breast engorgement

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance

Contraindications:

  • Known or suspected breast cancer (except those being treated for metastatic disease)

  • Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia

  • Known or suspected pregnancy

  • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding

  • Current or history of thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders (except when used in breast or prostatic cancer treatment).

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category X

  • Use with caution in nursing mothers and patients with hypertension, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, migraine, cardiac or renal dysfunction, history of depression, pre-existing uterine leiomyotoma, history of jaundice during pregnancy, impaired liver function, metabolic bone disorders and in young women (and men).

  • Take with food to avoid GI side effects.

  • May decrease glucose intolerance in diabetic patients.

  • Discontinue therapy and contact health care provider if pregnancy is suspected.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Rash, acne, alopecia, hirsutism

  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding, changes in cervical secretions

  • Edema, weight change

  • Depression, insomnia, somnolence

  • Nausea

Dosage:

  • Administered orally, vaginally and IV injection

  • Menopausal vasomotor symptoms: 1.25mg per day

  • Atrophic vaginitis and kraurosis vulvae: 0.3-1.25mg orally, intravaginally and topically per day depending on tissue response

  • Female hypogonadism: 2.5-7.5mg per day in divided doses for 20 days, then rest for ten days, then repeat schedule until bleeding occurs

  • Female castration and primary ovarian failure: 1.25mg per day cyclically, adjusted to lowest dose for individual

  • Breast cancer (palliation only): 10mg tid for at least three months

  • Prostatic carcinoma: 1.25-2.5mg tid

  • Osteoporosis prophylaxis: 1.25mg per day, cyclically

  • Postpartum breast engorgement: 3.75mg q4h for 5 doses or 1.25mg q4h for 5 days

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance: 25mg IM or IV injection, repeat in 6-12 hours if needed

For more information on the use of conjugated estrogens, read:

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  


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