Generic
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
17 brands available in the market
At a glance
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is a progestin hormone used for irregular periods, abnormal uterine bleeding, and amenorrhea. It replaces natural progesterone to regulate the uterine lining.
Description
Medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic progestogen that converts the proliferative phase of the endometrium into the secretory phase. It has some androgenic and anabolic activities but no estrogenic effects. Parenteral use leads to inhibition of pituitary gonadotropins, preventing follicular maturation and ovulation.
Indications
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Amenorrhea (secondary)
- Reduction of endometrial hyperplasia (postmenopausal women)
- Endometriosis
- Contraception (injection)
Therapeutic class
Progestin
Pharmacological class
Synthetic Progestogen
Pharmacology
Medroxyprogesterone converts the proliferative endometrium to secretory phase and inhibits pituitary gonadotropins to prevent ovulation.
Mechanism of action
Regulates the uterine lining and normalizes menstrual cycles.
Dosage
Oral (Adult):
- Uterine bleeding: 5-10 mg/day for 5-10 days (start on day 16 or 21 of cycle); withdrawal bleeding within 3-7 days
- Secondary amenorrhea: 5-10 mg/day for 5-10 days
- Endometrial hyperplasia reduction: 5 or 10 mg/day for 12-14 days per month
- Endometriosis: 10 mg 3 times daily for 90 days
Intramuscular (Contraception): 150 mg every 3 months
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- May be taken with or without food, but at a fixed time is preferable
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Irregular menstrual cycle, spotting
- Nervousness
Precautions & warnings
- Caution when driving or doing activities requiring concentration (may cause drowsiness and dizziness)
- Discontinue and inform doctor if severe headache, leg pain/swelling, breathing pain, vision/hearing changes, or yellowing of skin/eyes occur
- Do not use during pregnancy
- Use non-hormonal contraception during treatment
Contraindications
- Thromboembolic disorders
- Cerebral apoplexy
- Severe hepatic dysfunction
- Incomplete abortion
- Hormone-dependent carcinoma
- Undiagnosed vaginal/urinary tract bleeding
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- Aminoglutethimide and enzyme-inducing drugs (carbamazepine, griseofulvin, phenobarbital, rifampicin, phenytoin) reduce plasma concentrations
Food interactions
Caution with alcohol; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is highly unsafe during pregnancy; evidence of fetal harm.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is safe during breastfeeding; does not pass into breastmilk in significant amounts.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children.
Geriatric use
Caution needed in elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information available; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Unsafe in liver disease; avoid use.
Overdose effects
No specific overdose information available; symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate