Dehydroepiandrosterone
Generic Details
Generic Name
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Other Names
- DHEA
Drug Class
- Endogenous steroid hormone
- Androgen
- Precursor hormone
Chemical Formula
C19H28O2
Molecular Weight
288.43 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Acts as a precursor to sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen
Indications
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Sexual dysfunction
- Aging issues
Common Dosage Forms
- Oral tablets
- Capsules
- Topical creams
Typical Dosage
- 25-200 mg per day orally
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower starting doses may be recommended
Side Effects
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Oily skin
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Prostate cancer
- Hormone-sensitive conditions
Pregnancy Category
- Not recommended during pregnancy
Lactation Safety
- Not recommended during breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Hormone replacement therapies
- Testosterone
- Oral anticoagulants
Overdose Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Increased cholesterol levels
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
- Distribution: Mainly bound to serum albumin and lipoproteins
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Excreted in urine as metabolites
Precautions
- Monitor hormone levels regularly
- Use with caution in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions
Warnings
- Avoid long-term use without medical supervision
Others
- Consult healthcare provider before use for individualized recommendations