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lynestrenol

G03DC03

Forms & Strengths

Oral tablet: 5 mg

Adult Dosing

Secondary amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea: 5 mg daily for 5-10 days, usually combined with an estrogen
Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia: 5-10 mg daily for 10 days to stop bleeding
Endometriosis: 5-10 mg daily continuously for at least 6 months
Contraception (Minipill): 0.5 mg daily continuously (not available in all regions)

Pediatric Dosing

Safety and efficacy in pre-menarchal pediatric patients not established
Use in adolescents restricted to post-menarchal indications such as severe dysmenorrhea or menstrual regulation under specialist supervision

Indications

Secondary and primary amenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea
Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia
Endometriosis
Suppression of menstruation
Oral contraception

Mechanism of Action

Synthetic progestogen structurally related to norethisterone
Transforms proliferative endometrium into secretory endometrium
Suppresses gonadotropin secretion (FSH and LH), preventing ovulation
Increases cervical mucus viscosity to impede sperm penetration

Contraindications

Known or suspected pregnancy
Active venous thromboembolism or history of thromboembolic disorders
Active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke)
Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
Known or suspected sex-hormone dependent malignancies (e.g., breast cancer)
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Porphyria

Adverse Reactions

Irregular menstrual bleeding, spotting, or amenorrhea
Weight gain
Fluid retention and edema
Headache and migraine
Libido changes
Nausea and gastrointestinal upset
Depressed mood and emotional lability
Increased risk of venous thromboembolism

Drug Interactions

Hepatic enzyme inducers (e.g., barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin) decrease progestin efficacy
CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase plasma concentrations of lynestrenol
May alter glucose tolerance, potentially requiring adjustment of antidiabetic medications
Anticoagulant effects may be antagonized or altered

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use