Generic
Lynestrenol
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Lynestrenol is a synthetic progestagen used for polymenorrhoea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, endometrial carcinoma, and benign breast disease.
Description
Lynestrenol is an oral preparation of the synthetic progestagen that shares various activities with natural progesterone. It has a strong progestational influence on the endometrium and suppresses ovulation and menstruation when taken continuously. After oral administration, lynestrenol is readily absorbed and converted into the pharmacologically active norethisterone, through which it exerts its major biological effects.
Indications
- Polymenorrhoea
- Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia
- Primary and secondary amenorrhoea and oligomenorrhoea (selected cases)
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial carcinoma (selected cases)
- Benign breast disease
- Suppression of menstruation, ovulation, and dysmenorrhoea
- Postponement of menstruation
- Adjunct to estrogen therapy in pre- and postmenopause
Therapeutic class
Female Sex Hormones, Oral Contraceptive Preparations
Pharmacological class
Progestagen
Pharmacology
Lynestrenol is converted to active norethisterone after oral administration, which exhibits progestational effects. It influences the endometrium like progesterone and suppresses ovulation with continuous use.
Mechanism of action
Exerts progestational effects on the endometrium and suppresses ovulation.
Dosage
Polymenorrhoea: 1 tablet daily on days 14-25 of the cycle
Premenstrual syndrome: 1 tablet daily on days 4-25 of the cycle
Endometriosis: 1-2 tablets daily for at least 6 months
Endometrial carcinoma: 6-10 tablets daily for prolonged periods
Benign breast disease: 1 tablet daily on days 14-25 of the cycle for at least 3-4 months
Menorrhagia/Metrorrhagia: 1 tablet daily on days 14-25 of the cycle (repeat for next 3 cycles)
Administration
- Take tablets orally with some fluid
- Take on specific cycle days as advised by physician
Missed dose
Not generally applicable (hormonal cycle-based use); consult doctor if needed.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (>10%):
- Breakthrough bleeding or spotting (first 2 months)
- Change in libido
- Nausea or gastrointestinal disturbances
- Weight increase
Occasional (1-10%) or Rare (<1%):
- Headache, migraine, dizziness, nervousness, depression
- Increased sweating, acne, hirsutism, chloasma, rash, pruritus
- Jaundice, liver function changes, lipoprotein profile changes
- Reduced glucose tolerance, breast pain, edema
Precautions & warnings
- Avoid sun exposure if tendency to chloasma
- Monitor liver function, carbohydrate metabolism, and hemostasis
- Periodic medical examinations during prolonged treatment
- Close supervision in patients with circulatory disorders or severe depression
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
- Severe liver disease (cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, liver cell tumors)
- Rotor syndrome and Dubin-Johnson syndrome
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- History of conditions affected by sex steroids
Drug interactions
- Activated charcoal, barbiturates, hydantoins, and rifampicin may decrease effectiveness
- May increase effectiveness of beta-adrenergic blockers and cyclosporin
- May decrease effectiveness of insulins
Food interactions
Safety with alcohol is not known; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Lynestrenol is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Insufficient data on use during breastfeeding; caution is advised.
Pediatric use
Not applicable for children.
Geriatric use
Not applicable for elderly (indicated for women of reproductive age).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Caution in hepatic impairment.
Overdose effects
No specific overdose information available; symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Lynestrenol