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Oxyprogesterone capronate
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Indications Oxyprogesterone capronate
Indications for the administration of Oxyprogesterone capronate may include:
- a habitual and threatening form of spontaneous abortion;
- prevention of spontaneous abortion during surgical operations during this period;
- menstrual cycle disorders;
- malignant diseases of the uterus and mammary glands.
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Release form
The medicine is produced as an oil-based injection solution in ampoules (1 ml of 12.5% solution). The cardboard package contains 10 ampoules.
Composition per 1 ml of the preparation:
- active ingredient – hydroxyprogesterone capronate – 125 mg dry matter;
- additional components: benzyl benzoate 0.3 ml, olive oil up to 1 ml.
The solution is a transparent oily liquid substance of a light yellowish hue.
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Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic properties of Oxyprogesterone capronate are similar to those of natural progesterone. Once in the body, the active component binds to the surface receptors of certain cells, enters the cell nucleus, where it promotes DNA activation and stimulates RNA production. Similar to progesterone, it helps transform the uterine mucosa from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase. From the moment of fertilization, it promotes the mucosa to acquire the condition required for the attachment and growth of the embryo - the zygote. Reduces the contractility and tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus and appendages.
Pharmacokinetics
Oxyprogesterone capronate is a complete analogue of natural progesterone. There are only differences in the chemical structure: in position 17 it has a residual amount of caproic acid. Being an essential substance of hydroxyprogesterone, it undergoes metabolic stages somewhat slower than progesterone, therefore its effect is longer.
The absorption of the drug is rapid and complete with both intramuscular and subcutaneous administration.
Metabolism occurs in the liver, with the formation of compounds with glucuronic and sulfuric acid. Half-life is up to several minutes.
Excretion is carried out through the kidneys (more than half) and the liver (more than 10%), which directly depends on the phase in which the corpus luteum is located.
With a single intramuscular injection, the solution continues to act for 1 to 2 weeks.
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Dosing and administration
Immediately before use, the ampoule with the solution should be slightly warmed in warm water to 30-40°C. If the solution contains microcrystals, the ampoule is warmed using a water bath until they dissolve. Oxyprogesterone capronate can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
In case of a threat of spontaneous abortion, 125-250 mg of the drug is prescribed once every 7 days, at the discretion of the doctor, until approximately the 20th week of pregnancy.
For the treatment of amenorrhea, the drug is used immediately after the end of taking estrogen drugs. The administration of 250 mg of oxyprogesterone capronate is prescribed in an amount of one or two times.
The drug is rarely used to treat polymenorrhea due to its slow action. Use from 65 to 125 mg on the 20th-22nd day of the cycle.
In the treatment of malignant tumors, a 25% solution is administered in the amount of 3-4 ml intramuscularly every day or once every 2 days for a long period of time (at the discretion of the doctor from 1 month to 1 year).
Use Oxyprogesterone capronate during pregnancy
Oxyprogesterone capronate is prescribed only in the first and partially in the second trimester of pregnancy in case of risk of spontaneous abortion, in case of insufficient function of the corpus luteum.
If breastfeeding occurs, feeding should be discontinued during the course of treatment.
Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- second half of pregnancy;
- cholestasis;
- severe liver disease;
- oncology;
- increased blood viscosity, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, thromboembolism.
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Side effects Oxyprogesterone capronate
As a rule, the drug is well tolerated and does not cause side effects.
However, in some cases the following symptoms may appear:
- fatigue, headache, indifference, depressive states;
- cholestasis, attacks of nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite;
- decreased sexual desire, shortening of the menstrual cycle, bleeding between periods;
- visual impairment;
- high blood pressure, swelling, thrombosis;
- changes in body weight, a feeling of tension and soreness in the mammary glands;
- allergy to the drug;
- a feeling of pain at the injection site.
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Overdose
Overdose of Oxyprogesterone Capronate is a rare occurrence. However, it can be assumed that taking large doses of the drug over a long period of time can provoke an increase in side effects, as well as increased heart rate.
Treatment of overdose is carried out according to the symptoms detected.
Interactions with other drugs
Antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine), antifungal drugs (griseofulvin), barbiturates (phenobarbital), anticonvulsants (phenytoin), antituberculosis drugs (rifampicin) can increase the clearance of oxyprogesterone capronate.
Oxyprogesterone capronate can influence the effectiveness of drugs to lower blood sugar.
Oxyprogesterone capronate can inhibit the metabolism of cyclosporines, which leads to an increase in their amount in the blood and an increase in the toxic effect.
Oxyprogesterone capronate inhibits the effect of oxytocin.
Storage conditions
The drug is stored in dark places with a temperature regime from +15°C to +25°C. Children should not be allowed near places where medications are stored.
Special instructions
Before using Oxyprogesterone Capronate, you should carefully read the instructions. Self-use of hormonal drugs without a doctor's permission is not allowed!
Patients with heart and vascular diseases, urinary tract diseases, as well as those suffering from diabetes, bronchial asthma, epileptic seizures should undergo treatment only under the supervision of a specialist. The same applies to patients during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
During treatment with Oxyprogesterone capronate, you should be careful when driving vehicles and other complex mechanisms.
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Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Oxyprogesterone capronate" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.