Anastrozole
Generic Details
Generic Name
Anastrozole
Other Names
- Arimidex
Drug Class
- Aromatase Inhibitor
Chemical Formula
C17H19N5
Molecular Weight
293.366 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks the enzyme aromatase, reducing estrogen levels in the body
Indications
- Treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 1 mg orally once a day
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Adjust dose based on individual patient needs
Side Effects
- Hot flashes
- Asthenia
- Arthritis
- Pain
- Arthralgia
- Hypertension
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Anastrozole
- Pre-menopausal women
- Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category
- X - Contraindicated
Lactation Safety
- Limited data available; caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Tamoxifen
- Estrogen-containing medications
Overdose Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote; manage symptoms and provide supportive care
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well-absorbed orally
- Distribution: Extensively distributed in the body
- Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4
- Excretion: Mainly via urine (excreted as metabolites)
Precautions
- Bone health monitoring is recommended during long-term use
- Regular liver function tests are advised
Warnings
- May cause or exacerbate osteoporosis; monitor bone health
- Potential for increased risk of cardiovascular events
Others
- Anastrozole is typically used as adjuvant therapy or first-line treatment in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer