Estradiol Valerate
Generic Details
Generic Name
Estradiol Valerate
Other Names
- Estradiol valerate
- EV
Drug Class
- Estrogen hormone
Chemical Formula
C23H32O3
Molecular Weight
356.5 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Estradiol valerate is a prodrug of 17β-estradiol, the major biologically active human estrogen. It is converted to estradiol in the body.
Indications
- Hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women
- Treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- Oral: 1-2 mg once daily
- Injection: 10-20 mg every 2-4 weeks
Pediatric Dosage
- Not recommended for use in children
Geriatric Dosage
- Use with caution and at the lowest effective dose
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Fluid retention
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Liver disease
Pregnancy Category
- Category X - Contraindicated in pregnancy
Lactation Safety
- Not recommended during breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Warfarin
- Corticosteroids
- Anticonvulsants
Overdose Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, treatment is supportive
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration
- Distribution: Distributed widely in the body, mainly in fatty tissues
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to estradiol and other metabolites
- Excretion: Excreted primarily in urine and feces
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of thromboembolism
- Regularly monitor liver function tests
Warnings
- Increased risk of endometrial cancer in women with an intact uterus
- Increased risk of breast cancer
Others
- Estradiol valerate should only be used for the shortest duration at the lowest effective dose.