Duphaston is a synthetic derivative of a female hormone progesterone. It is used to treat menstrual irregularities in people more than 18 years of age. It is also used to prevent miscarriage and abortions. It contains active ingredient didrogesterone.
Onset of action: occurs within 0.5 to 2.5 hours of drug administration
Duration of action: within 24 hours
Uses
Prescribed for the following conditions
Dysmenorrhea (irregular menstrual cycles)
Endometriosis (Shedding of endometrium)
Secondary amenorrhea (lack of menstruation)
Premenstrual syndrome
Threatened and Habitual Abortions
Infertility treatment
Hormone replacement therapy
A systematic review Duphaston tablets for the treatment of threatened miscarriages.
A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 660 pregnant women. The objective of this study was to assess whether the orally acting progesterone tablets lowers the incidence of miscarriage in pregnant women. This study shows that there is a decrease of 47% miscarriages in women receiving Duphaston.
A clinical trial was conducted in India, where 91.6% of women achieved regular menstrual cycle by using Duphaston 10 mg tablets from 11th day to 25th day of cycle. They achieved this within three cycles of therapy with Duphaston. In this study there was also a decrease in the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding in women participated in this study.
The dosage
of this tablet may vary depending on the condition and the clinical use.
For Dysmenorrhea: 10 or 20 mg tablet per day continuously
from day 5 to day 25 of menstrual cycle.
For endometriosis: 10 to 30 mg tablet per day from day
5 to day 25 of menstrual cycle.
For dysfunctional uterine bleeding: To stop
bleeding 20 or 30 mg tablet per day for 10 days.
If bleeding occurs regularly and for continuous
treatment 10 or 20 mg tablet should be taken during second half of menstrual
cycle.
For Secondary amenorrhea: 10 or 20 mg tablet per day for 14
days during second half of cycle.
For premenstrual syndrome: 10 mg twice
daily starting on second half of menstrual cycle till first day of next period.
For irregular cycles and Infertility problems: 10 or 20mg
per day during second half of cycle and should be continued until first day of
next cycle.
For threatened abortions: Initial dose up to 40 mg followed by
20 or 30 mg per day until symptoms stops.
Misuse:
Misuse of
this drug leads to fetal death and spontaneous abortions. Effects such as
unwanted hair on face of fetus, birth defects like cleft palate and heart
defects occurs on misuse of this drug.
If you forgot to take this tablet??
If you
forgot to take todays tablet and if it is less then 12 hours late, take it as
soon as you remember and next day dose will be as usual dose. If you miss a
dose you can see some bleeding and spotting.
Over dosage
It is well
tolerated when taken orally and the maximum daily dosage is up to 360mg. If
your prescribed dose is high and if you cannot swallow the tablet you can take
it as divided doses for the day. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting,
lethargy and dizziness.
If you take more
than the prescribed dose, the drug can be removed (i.e if it is within 2 or 3
hours) from the stomach by specific treatment.
Missed a dose??? You should take the missed dose of tablet as soon as you remember, don’t take the tablet if it is nearer time of your next dose. Skip the missed dose and take the as usual dose the next day
Different brands of Duphaston:
Brand name
Manufacturer
Dabroston
Abott
Terolut
Solvay Pharmaceuticals
Duphaston
Abott
Gestasure
Mankind Pharmaceuticals
Jigest
Sanzyme Ltd
How does it work?
It acts directly on the uterus and activates progesterone receptors.
It works by regulating the growth and normal shedding of the womb lining.
Interactions
It interacts with drugs like phenytoin, phenobarbital, nevirapine, carbamazepine, Rifampicin and Ritonavir
Side effects
Here are some common side effects with Duphaston.
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Indigestion
Dizziness
Headache
Breast pain
Drowsiness
Depression
Anemia
Hypersentivity reactions
Swelling of breasts
Weight gain
Warnings and Precautions
This medicine is not recommended for undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless it is required.
This medicine is not recommended for breast feeding women.
This should not be used in patients with history of liver diseases as it increases the risks of liver diseases. Patients should be closely monitored for liver function tests if this medicine was used.
This medicine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
One should ensure that the treatment course is completed and do not stop this medicine without consulting doctor.
This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness so it advised not to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery when you experience such symptoms.
If you experience severe headache, migraine or if you have increased blood pressure discontinue this medicine.
If you have depression you must be closely monitored and if severe depression reoccurs this treatment should be discontinued.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
After oral administration it is absorbed rapidly within 0.5
to 2.5 hours
Distribution
90% of it is bound to plasma proteins.
Elimination
It is metabolized by liver enzymes (CYP 450) to active
metabolite and eliminated in the urine.
Within 72 hours its excretion is completed and its half -life is about 5 to 7 hours.
FAQ’S
Can
Duphaston be used during pregnancy??
Yes, can be used during if the pregnancy is assisted by IVF
or any reproductive techniques or in case of repeated miscarriages.
Does
Duphaston stop bleeding during pregnancy?
Some women experience bleeding during few months and after
using this medicine bleeding can be stopped and have normal pregnancy.
Can
Duphaston delay the periods?
No, it cannot delay the periods. In fact, it is used to
regularize the periods who don’t have regular menstrual cycles.
Is Duphaston
safe for breastfeeding women?
It shouldn’t be taken by breastfeeding women.
Why doctors prescribe Duphaston during first trimester of
pregnancy?
It is
because the placenta will not be fully functional yet and cannot produce enough
hormones required for the growth of the baby. So, doctors prescribe Duphaston
during first trimester of pregnancy and after 12 weeks there will be no issue.
You can stop using Duphaston.
Can Duphaston cause weight gain if it is used for treatment
of ovarian cysts?
Yes, it can cause weight gain if it is used for long time.
Is Duphaston a steroid?
Yes, it has a steroidal structure similar to female hormone progesterone produced in the body.
