Drug Groups

approved

Description

A powerful synthetic, non-steroidal estrogen. [PubChem]

Indication

Used to treat symptoms of menopause, deficiencies in ovary function (including underdevelopment of female sexual characteristics and some types of infertility), and in rare cases, prostate cancer. Chlorotrianisene may also be used to prevent breast engorgement following childbirth.

Pharmacology

Chlorotrianisene is a nonsteroidal synthetic estrogen. After menopause, when the body no longer produces estrogen, chlorotrianisene is used as a simple replacement of estrogen. The estrogen-stimulated endometrium may bleed within 48-72 hours after discontinuance of estrogen therapy. Paradoxically, prolonged estrogen therapy may cause shrinkage of the endometrium and an increase in size of the myometrium. Estrogens have a weak anabolic effect and may cause sodium retention with associated fluid retention and edema. Estrogens may also decrease elevated blood cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations. Estrogens affect bone by increasing calcium deposition and accelerating epiphyseal closure, following initial growth stimulation. During the preovulatory or nonovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, estrogen is the principal determinant in the onset of menstruation. A decline of estrogenic activity at the end of the menstrual cycle also may induce menstruation; however, the cessation of progesterone secretion is the most important factor during the mature ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. The benefit derived from estrogen therapy in the prevention of postpartum breast engorgement must be carefully weighed against the potential increased risk of puerperal thromboembolism associated with the use of large doses of estrogens.

Toxicity

Acute overdosage of large doses of oral contraceptives in chidren reportedly produces almost no toxicity except nausea and vomiting. Acute overdosage of estrogens may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Metabolized principally in the liver, although the kidneys, gonads, and muscle tissues may be involved to some extent. The metabolic fate of the synthetic estrogens has not been fully elucidated.

Absorption

Absorption following oral administration is rapid.

Protein Binding

50-80%

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