As a gonadotropin inhibitor, danazol suppresses the pituitary-ovarian axis possibly by inhibiting the output of pituitary gonadotropins. Danazol also depresses the preovulatory surge in output of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), thereby reducing ovarian estrogen production. Danazol may also directly inhibits ovarian steroidogenesis; bind to androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors; bind to sex-hormone-binding globulin and corticosteroid-binding globulin; and increases the metabolic clearance rate of progesterone. Another mechanism of action by which danazol may use to facilitate regression of endometriosis is by decreasing IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations, as well as phospholipid and IgG isotope autoantibodies. In the treatment of endometriosis, as a consequence of suppression of ovarian function, danazol causes both normal and ectopic endometrial tissues to become inactive and atrophic. This leads to anovulation and associated amenorrhea. In fibrocystic breast disease, the exact mechanism of action of danazol is unknown, but may be related to suppressed estrogenic stimulation as a result of decreased ovarian production of estrogen. A direct effect on steroid receptor sites in breast tissue is also possible. This leads to a disappearance of nodularity, relief of pain and tenderness, and possibly changes in the menstrual pattern. In terms of hereditary angioedema, danazol corrects the underlying biochemical deficiency by increasing serum concentrations of the deficient C1 esterase inhibitor, resulting in increased serum concentrations of the C4 component of the complement system.

Danazol is indicated for the following treatment-

• Endometriosis
• Benign breast disease
• Menorrhagia
• Gynecomastia
• Preoperative thinning of the endometrium before hysteroscopic endometrial ablation.

Preoperative thinning of the endometrium:

• Adult: 400-800 mg daily, in up to 4 divided doses for 3-6 week.

Benign breast disorders:

• Adult: Initially, 100-400 mg daily in 2 divided doses adjusted according to response and continued for 3-6 month.

Hereditary angioedema:

• Adult: Initially, 200 mg bid-tid reduced thereafter according to patient's response.

Endometriosis:

• Adult: 200-800 mg daily in 2 divided doses adjusted according to response, for 3-6 month or if necessary, up to 9 month.

Menorrhagia:

• Adult: 200 mg once daily. Review treatment 3 month later.

Gynaecomastia:

• Adult: Male adolescents: Initially, 200 mg daily, may increase to 400 mg daily after 2 month if no response occurs; adult men: Initial: 400 mg daily in up to 4 divided doses. Usual treatment duration: 6 month.
• Child: Male adolescents: Initially, 200 mg daily increased to 400 mg after 2 month if no response occurs. Treatment usually up to 6 months.

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding
• Impaired hepatic, renal, or cardiac function
• Porphyria
• Thromboembolic disease
• Androgen-dependent tumor
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been fully investigated.
• Hypersensitivity to danazol.

Oedema, weight gain, sweating, acne, hirsutism, flushing, oily skin or hair, deepening of the voice, clitoral hypertrophy, amenorrhoea, hepatic dysfunction, CNS or GI disturbances, benign intracranial hypertension, reduction in breast size, visual disturbances, elevated LFT values.

Overdose Effects

There have been no incidents of acute overdosage with Danazol and it is unlikely that any immediate serious reaction will be seen from a single excessive dose. In case of the acute overdosage, the drug should be removed by gastric lavage and the patient should be kept under observation.

Epilepsy, migraine; cardiac, hepatic, renal disorders. Severe hypertension, diabetes, polycythaemia, history of thrombosis; children.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Category X: Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or there is evidence of fetal risk based on human experience or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.