Danazol (Danacrine)

Category:

• Hormonal

Description:

• Synthetic androgen

Indications:

• Endometriosis

• Fibrocystic breast disease

• Hereditary angioedema

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy and lactation

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

• Markedly impaired hepatic, renal or cardiac function

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category X

• Rule out breast cancer prior to initiating treatment.

• Begin endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease therapy after ruling out pregnancy and during menstrual cycle.

• May cause irreversible androgenic effects (hirsutism, decreased breast size, deepening of voice, clitoral hypertrophy)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Androgenic: acne, oily kin/hair, weight gain, mild hirsutism, decreased breast size, deepening of voice, clitoral hypertrophy, testicular hypotrophy

• Hypoestrogenic: flushing, sweating, vaginitis, nervousness, emotional disorders

• Hepatic dysfunction

• CNS: dizziness, headache, sleep disorders, fatigue

• Muscle cramps, joint pain and swelling

Dosage:

• Administered orally

• Mild Endometriosis: 

  • 200-400mg/day in two divided doses

• Endometriosis: 

  • 800mg/day in two divided doses

• Fibrocystic breast disease: 

  • 100-400mg/day in two divided doses

• Hereditary angioedema: 

  • 200mg 2-3 times a day, decrease dose to individualized therapy