Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel Information

About Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel is a sex hormone with actions, uses similar to progesterone.. its (-) isomer is used clinically. Chemically Levonorgestrel is identified as 13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-18, 19-dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one. Levonorgestrel is pricipally used in combination with synthetic estrogen etinyl estadiol for contraception. It can also be used topically through an intrauterine contraceptive device.

Indications

Levonorgestrel is primarily indicated in conditions like Contraception, Hormone replacement therapy, Menstruation disorders, Nausea and vomiting (chemotherapy induced), prevention.

Contraindication

Levonorgestrel is contraindicated in conditions like Migraine,Breast cancer,Hepatic disease,Circulatory system disease,Genital tract bleeding,Endometrial cancer,Lipid metabolism disorder.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Levonorgestrel, which give rise to further complications include Malignant hypertension.Levonorgestrel produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Venous thromboembolism, Ischemic heart disease, Cerebrovascular disease, Venous thromboembolism, Cerebrovascular disease. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Levonorgestrel therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Levonorgestrel are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Anxiety, Weight gain, Breast tension, Depressive moods, Changes in libido, Menstrual irregularity, Abdominal discomfort, Uterine bleeding, dizziness, changes in libido.

Warnings

Levonorgestrel should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing liver disease, diabetes, seizure disorder, kidney disease, heart trouble, visual disorders, asthma or a history of depression, migraines, blood clots, miscarriage, breast cancer or any allergy.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.