Halotestin
Halotestin, a highly acclaimed drug for the treatment of absence of endogenous testosterone, has benefited many patients in the last few years. Available in the form of tablets, the drug is meant for oral administration only.
The tablets of Halotestin consist of fluoxymesterone, an androgenic hormone. Fluoxymesterone, which is odorless and available in the form of white colored crystalline powder, has a chemical name of androst-4-en-3-one, 9-fluoro-11, 17-dihydroxy-17-methyl-, (11β,17β)-. It has a molecular weight of 33.645 and a melting point of 240° C with some decomposition. Half-life of fluoxymesterone after oral administration is approximately 9.2 hours.
Some of the inactive ingredients of Halotestin tablets are calcium stearate, sucrose, tragacanth, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and lactose.
Clinical Pharmacology
Endogenous Androgens are responsible in growth & development of male sexual organs and maintenance of secondary sexual features such as penis, prostate, scrotum, and seminal vesicles besides distribution of fat, thickening of vocal cords, and changes in body musculature.
Usage
The tablets of Halotestin are advisable for treatment of absence or deficiency of endogenous testosterone. In women, the tablets are indicated for palliation of androgen-responsive recurrent mammary cancer. These tablets can also be recommended for treatment of patients with LHRH deficiency or primary hypogonadism testicular failure.
Contraindications
Halotestin is contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to this drug and males with carcinoma of the breast. It is also contraindicated for expecting or nursing women.
Warnings
Life-threatening complications such as peliosis hepatis, hepatic adenomas, and hepatocellular carcinoma can develop as a result of high doses of androgens. Patients who are suffering from breast cancer or immobilized patients and administered with Halotestin tablets run the risk of developing hypercalcemia.
Precautions
Women, using high doses of Halotestin Tablets, must be kept under strict medical attention to identify any virilization signs. The tablets are not to be used by nursing or expecting mothers. Patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy may see the development of acute urethral obstruction. High doses of these tablets may also lead to excessive sexual stimulation.
Adverse Reactions
Clitoral enlargement, deepening of the voice, virilization, amenorrhea, and menstrual irregularities can be some of the possible adverse reactions of using the Halotestin tablets.
Dosage and Administration
Dosage of this drug can vary as per individual needs and treatment conditions.
