Estrogens

(ES troh jenz)

Other Names: Chlorotrianisene, conjugated estrogens, esterified estrogens, estradiol, estriol, estrone, estropipate, quinestrol

Introduced: 1933

Class: Female sex hormones

Prescription: USA: Yes

Controlled Drug: USA: No Canada: Yes Canada: No

Available as Generic: USA: Yes Canada: No

Brand Names: C.E.S., Climestrone, Delestrogen, DV, Estinyl, Estrace, Estraderm, Estraguard, Estratab, Estrovis, Feminone, Femogen, Femogex, Menest, Menrium [CD], Milprem [CD], Oestrilin, Ogen, PMB [CD], Premarin, TACE

Principal Uses

As a Single Drug Product: This widely used hormone is very effective when administered in proper dosage and carefully supervised. Its primary use is supplemental (" replacement" therapy) when used to treat the following conditions: (1) ovarian failure or removal in the young woman; (2) the menopausal syndrome; (3) postmenopausal atrophy of genital tissues; and (4) postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is also used in selected cases of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

As a Combination Drug Product [CD]: Estrogen is available in combination with chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and with meprobamate (Equanil, Miltown). These mild tranquilizers are added to provide a calming effect that makes the combination more effective in treating selected cases of the menopausal syndrome. See the Drug Profile of the Oral Contraceptives for a discussion of the combination of estrogens and progestins.

How This Drug Works: When used to correct hormonal deficiency states, estrogens restore normal cellular activity by increasing the synthesis of chromatin, RNA and cellular proteins. The frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms are significantly reduced when normal tissue levels of estrogen are restored.

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Capsules — 12 mg, 25 mg, 72 mg (TACE)

Tablets — 0.02 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.625 mg, 0.9 mg, 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg

Transdermal patch — 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg

Vaginal cream — 0.1 mg, 0.625 mg, 1.5 mg per gram

Usual Adult Dosage Range: For conjugated and esterified estrogens: 0.3 to 1.25 mg daily for 21 days. Omit for 7 days. Repeat cyclically as needed. For other forms of estrogen: consult your physician. Note: Actual dosage and administration schedule must be determined by the physician for each patient individually.

Dosing Instructions: May be taken without regard to food. The tablets may

be crushed for administration. The capsules should be taken whole.

Usual Duration of Use: Continual use on a regular schedule for 10 to 20 days is usually necessary to determine this drug's effectiveness in relieving menopausal symptoms. Long-term use requires supervision and periodic evaluation by your physician every 6 months. Consult your physician on a regular basis.