Megestrol Acetate
Cytostatic · Progestogen
Indications
Endometrial or breast carcinoma. Anorexia or cachexia associated with AIDS.
Dosage
Adults: Breast carcinoma: 160 mg daily in single or divided doses. Endometrial carcinoma: 40-320 mg daily in divided doses. Both for minimum period of 2 mth. Anorexia or cachexia associated with AIDS: Susp: Initially, 625 mg daily (of the 125 mg/mL susp) or 800 mg daily (of the 40 mg/mL susp). Children: Not applicable.
Adverse Effects
Weight gain, nausea, urticaria, tumour flare, adrenal insufficiency, Cushingoid effects, diabetes, increased appetite, altered mood, carpal tunnel syndrome, lethargy, cardiac failure, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, hypertension, hot flushes, dyspnoea, GI upset, rash, alopecia, pollakiuria, menorrhagia, erectile dysfunction, asthenia, pain, oedema.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: Thrombophlebitis. Severe hepatic impairment. Elderly; consider monitoring renal function.
Interactions
Folate inhibitors.
Advice to Patient
Take with meals. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Discontinue medication and report immediately if you are taking this medication for prevention of malaria and you feel confusion, depression, anxiety, nervousness or restlessness. Contact prescriber if you experience changes in vision, CNS changes, unusual fatigue, severe constant GI upset, changes in hearing, ringing in ears. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Regular eye examinations (every 4-6 months) are required during long term therapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: Breast or endometrial cancer: At least 2 months of continuous therapy; Weight gain: 2 to 4 weeks. Metabolism: Hepatic. Absorption: Well absorbed. Half-life elimination: Suspension: 20 to 50 hours; Tablet: Mean: 34.2 hours (range: 13 to 105 hours). Time to peak, serum: Suspension: 5 hours; Tablet: 2.2 hours (range: 1 to 3 hours). Excretion: Urine (57% to 78%; 5% to 8% as metabolites); feces (8% to 30%) within 10 days.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.