Letrozole
Generic Details
Generic Name
Letrozole
Other Names
- Femara
Drug Class
- Aromatase Inhibitor
Chemical Formula
C17H11N5
Molecular Weight
285.3 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits aromatase enzyme, reducing estrogen production
Indications
- Breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women
- Off-label use in infertility treatment
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 2.5 mg once daily
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustment may be required in elderly patients
Side Effects
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Osteoporosis
Contraindications
- Pre-menopausal women
- Pregnant women
- Severe liver impairment
Pregnancy Category
- D
Lactation Safety
- Limited data available, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Estrogen-containing therapies
- Warfarin
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
Overdose Symptoms
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, symptomatic treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
- Distribution: Extensively distributed in tissues
- Metabolism: Mainly hepatic via CYP3A4
- Excretion: Primarily in feces
Precautions
- Monitor bone mineral density
- Regular liver function tests
Warnings
- Increased risk of osteoporosis
- May cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy