Estracyt
Estracyt Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Estracyt is a brand name. Its generic name is Estramustine.
Estracyt
Estracyt is a drug composed of an estrogen molecule combined with nornitrogen mustard, a chemotherapeutic agent. It is used to treat prostate cancer.
Uses For
Estracyt is indicated for the management of metastatic and/or progressive carcinoma of the prostate.
Mechanism of Action
Estracyt acts as a cytotoxic drug primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum of the prostate cancer cell. As a result, it induces apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, altered cell membrane development, and mitochondrial transporter disruption. Additionally, it binds to estradiol receptors and results in an estrogen effect on receptor affinities.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The average time for Estracyt to start exhibiting effects is 2 to 3 weeks.
Absorption
Estracyt is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration.
Route of Elimination
Estracyt and its metabolites are mainly eliminated in the feces and urine in both humans and rats.
Dosage
The recommended adult dosage for Estracyt is 140 mg, to be taken either three or four times a day, depending on the individual needs. Patients with hepatic impairment should take a lower dose of 140 mg, once a day. Patients with renal impairment should also reduce their daily dosage to 140 mg.
Administration
Estracyt should be taken orally or administered via intravenous injection. Intravenous injections should be followed by a course of oral tablets.
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Pounding in the ears
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Vaginal bleeding
- Leg cramps and swelling
- Increase in body hair growth
- Moderate to severe increase in blood pressure
Toxicity
Overdoses or overdoses with Estracyt can cause serious toxicity. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, leg cramps and swelling. Very high doses can cause tremor, confusion, and seizures.
Precautions
- Estracyt should not be taken in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy.
- Women should not take Estracyt, as it is a male hormone and can cause serious side effects.
- Estracyt should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
- Patients with liver or kidney disorders should take a lower dose of Estracyt.
- Patients on steroid therapy should not take Estracyt.
Interactions
Estracyt may interact with other medications such as anticoagulants, insulin and other diabetes medications, warfarin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, antipsychotics, estrogens, corticosteroids, phenytoin, nitrates, and sulfonamides. Patients taking Estracyt should always consult a doctor before taking other medicines.
Disease Interactions
- Patients with liver or kidney disease should not take Estracyt.
- Patients with estrogen-sensitive tumors should not take Estracyt.
- Patients with blood disorders should not take Estracyt.
- Patients with a history of stroke or heart attack should not take Estracyt.
Drug Interactions
Estracyt may interact with other drugs such as anticoagulants, insulin and other diabetes medications, warfarin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, antipsychotics, estrogens, corticosteroids, phenytoin, nitrates, and sulfonamides. Patients should always consult with their doctor before taking any other medications while taking Estracyt.
Food Interactions
Estracyt should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4–6 hours after meals. Avoid taking Estracyt with high-fat meals, as it may reduce the absorption of the drug.
Pregnancy Use
Estracyt has been classified as Category X by the US FDA, indicating a high risk of fetal harm, and should not be used during pregnancy.
Lactation Use
It is not known whether Estracyt is secreted in human milk, and it is not recommended for use in lactating women.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose with Estracyt include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, tremor, confusion, and seizures.
Contraindications
- Patients with estrogen-sensitive tumors should not take Estracyt.
- Patients with a history of stroke or heart attack should not take Estracyt.
- Estracyt should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
- Patients on steroids should not take Estracyt.
Use Direction
Estracyt can be taken orally or intravenously. Intravenous injections should be followed by a course of oral tablets. Patients taking Estracyt should take it exactly as prescribed by their doctor.
Storage Condition
Estracyt should be stored at room temperature away from direct heat and light.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for estramustine is about 392.6 L.
Half Life
The half-life for estramustine is about 20-40 minutes.
Clearance
The clearance for Estracyt is about 6.6 mL/min/kg.
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