Tibolone

Generic Details

Generic Name

Tibolone

Other Names

  • Livial
  • Tibofem

Drug Class

  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Progestogen

Chemical Formula

C21H28O2

Molecular Weight

312.45 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Tibolone is a synthetic steroid hormone with a tissue-specific effect. It has estrogenic, progestogenic, and weak androgenic activity. It acts by interacting with estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors.

Indications

  • Treatment of symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings
  • Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • 2.5 mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not recommended for use in children

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be needed in elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Breast pain
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Mood changes
  • Edema
  • Acne
  • Liver dysfunction

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • History of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent tumors
  • Severe liver disease

Pregnancy Category

  • X - Contraindicated in pregnancy

Lactation Safety

  • Not recommended during breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • Concomitant use with enzyme-inducing drugs may decrease tibolone efficacy

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Breast tenderness

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, symptomatic and supportive treatment

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Distribution: Tibolone and its metabolites are extensively bound to plasma proteins
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to active metabolites
  • Excretion: Excreted primarily in the urine and feces

Precautions

  • Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended during treatment

Warnings

  • Increased risk of endometrial and breast cancer
  • Risk of venous thromboembolism
  • Should not be used as a contraceptive

Others

  • May take several weeks to see the full benefit of the medication