Norethisterone
Norethisterone Information

About Norethisterone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as progestogens. Norethisterone and its acetate and enantate esters are progestogens derived from nortestosterone that have weak oestrogenic and androgenic properties. They are commonly used as hormonal contraceptives. Norethisterone (Acetate, Heptanoate) was the first highly active oral progestational agent to be synthesized and to achieved widespread use. It was patented in 1951. it is prepared by chemical synthesis from precursors obtained from the Mexican yam. it is available in combination preparations. Chemically it(17a)-17-hydroxy-19-norpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one. Norethisterone acetate is administered orally and Norethisterone enanthate is administered intramuscularly. itused for contraception and for the treatment of uterine bleeding.

Indications

Norethisterone is primarily indicated in conditions like Contraception, Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, Dysmenorrhoea, Endometriosis, Menstruation disorders, Postponement of menstruation, Premenstrual tension, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Premenstrual syndrome.

Contraindication

Norethisterone is contraindicated in conditions like Acute renal failure,Epilepsy,Breast cancer,Cardiovascular disease,Hepatitis,Liver carcinoma,Amenorrhoea,Herpes gestations,Skin diseases,Bronchial asthma,Hypersensitivity to the drug.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Norethisterone, which give rise to further complications include Hepatitis, Cataract, Cholestatic jaundice, Optic neuritis, Hyperglycemia, Hypertension, Mental disturbances, Retinal thrombosis, Uterine myomata, Decreased libido, Vaginitis, Galactorrhea, Breakthrough bleeding, Leukorrhea, Thromboembolism.Norethisterone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Reduced HDL levels. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Norethisterone therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Norethisterone include Nausea, Thromboembolism, Jaundice.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Norethisterone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Fatigue, Anorexia, Anxiety, Abdominal pain, Rashes, Weight LossX, Depression, Weight gain, Elevation of liver enzymes, Nausea and vomiting, Edema, Acne, Hirsutism, Breast discomfort, Intermenstrual bleeding or spotting, Menstrual irregularity, Bloating, Exacerbation of epilepsy, Exacerbation of migraine, Cervicitis.

Warnings

Norethisterone should be used with caution in patients with medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver, kidney or heart disease, cancer of the breast or genitals, missed abortion, blood clots, seizures, migraine, asthma, depression or diabetes. Limit alcohol, as this may increase side effects of this drug. It is not recommended to take it in early pregnancy. Norethisterone Enanthate should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular or renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, asthma, epilepsy, and migraine, or other conditions which may be aggravated by fluid retention. They should also be used with care in persons with a history of depression. High doses should be used with caution in patients susceptible to thromboembolism. It should not be given to the patients with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, nor to those with a history or current high risk of arterial disease and should generally be avoided in hepatic impairment, especially if severe.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, 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.