Alestor

Indications

Alestor is prescribed for:

• Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR)
• Threatened abortion
• Habitual abortion
• Threatened premature delivery

Always consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Description

Alestor is an oral gestagen that effectively maintains pregnancy without causing hormonal side effects, such as masculinization of female fetuses. Clinical studies indicate that it enhances the endocrine function of the trophoblast and stimulates the placenta to produce progesterone. In patients with at-risk pregnancies, treatment with Alestor has normalized abnormally low levels of placental hormones (HCG, HPL, estrogens, and progesterone) and certain enzymes (oxytocinase, CAP). Most patients treated with Alestor who faced the threat of abortion were able to carry their pregnancies to term without complications, and the medication is well tolerated with minimal significant side effects.

Pharmacology

Allylestrenol, the active ingredient in Alestor, has a relatively mild progestational effect on the human endometrium. Higher doses than typically recommended for preventing abortion are necessary to achieve a fully secretory endometrium in estrogen-primed women. In vitro studies have shown that allylestrenol promotes progesterone synthesis in the placenta and significantly increases the production of specific placental enzymes (cystine aminopeptidase and heat-stable alkaline phosphatase).

Histological changes indicating increased activity have been observed in the placenta, particularly in the syncytiotrophoblast of women undergoing treatment with allylestrenol during normal and threatened pregnancies. The drug also raises levels of placental hormones (pregnanediol, estriol, HCG, and HPL) and enzymes (oxytocinase, CAP) in maternal urine and plasma.

In studies involving full-term pregnant women, allylestrenol in high doses (up to 100 mg daily) was found to suppress spontaneous uterine contractions without affecting the uterine muscle’s sensitivity to oxytocin or the progression of normal delivery. Research in non-pregnant women indicated that allylestrenol does not exhibit estrogenic or androgenic properties and does not adversely affect adrenal function or liver tests.

Dosage & Administration

• Intrauterine Growth Retardation: 1 tablet three times daily for at least two months; dosage may be reduced if symptoms improve.
• Threatened Abortion: 1 tablet three times daily until symptoms resolve.
• Habitual Abortion: 1-2 tablets daily from the moment pregnancy is confirmed, continuing for at least one month post-critical period.
• Threatened Premature Delivery: Individualized dosage, with high dosages (up to 40 mg daily) potentially being utilized.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Always consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Contraindications

Alestor should not be used in individuals with:

• Breast cancer or history of breast issues (nodules, abnormal mammogram, or fibrocystic disease)
• Severe liver diseases (cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, hepatic cell tumors, Rotor syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome)
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Toxemia of pregnancy
• Seizure disorders or migraines

Side Effects

Long-term use of Alestor may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, nausea, and occasional epigastric discomfort.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Allylestrenol is intended for use during pregnancy but should be discontinued after delivery due to potential effects on a nursing infant, although these are typically small.

Precautions & Warnings

Use caution if you have:

• Heart disease or congestive heart failure
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Renal dysfunction
• Migraine headaches
• Respiratory diseases (asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD)
• Breastfeeding

Use in Special Populations

Not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

Overdose Effects

Symptoms of an overdose may include unusual drowsiness, rapid pulse, fainting, abnormal muscle movements or rigidity, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Therapeutic Class

• Female Sex Hormones

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.