WK 3 -2
Drug Name | Class | Mechanism of Action (MOA) | Adverse Effects | Indications | Contraindications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Testosterone | Androgen | Binds to androgen receptors → Converted to DHT by 5-alpha-reductase → Stimulates male development and secondary sexual characteristics. | Common: Acne, increased RBC count. Rare: Liver toxicity. | Hypogonadism, delayed puberty, HRT. | Prostate cancer, severe cardiac/liver disease. |
Testosterone Undecanoate | Androgen (Ester) | Slowly releases testosterone for a longer-lasting effect. | Common: Fluid retention, mood changes. Rare: Pulmonary oil microembolism. | Testosterone replacement therapy. | Prostate cancer, uncontrolled hypertension. |
Cyproterone Acetate | Anti-androgen | Blocks androgen receptors → Inhibits testosterone effects, reducing male secondary sexual traits. | Common: Fatigue, low libido. Rare: Liver dysfunction. | Prostate cancer, severe hirsutism, chemical castration. | Liver disease, depression. |
Finasteride | 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor | Blocks 5-alpha-reductase enzyme → Prevents conversion of testosterone to DHT → Reduces prostate size/hair loss. | Common: Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido. Rare: Breast tenderness. | Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), androgenic alopecia. | Pregnancy (women should not handle crushed tablets). |
Ethinylestradiol | Estrogen | Activates estrogen receptors → Suppresses FSH → Inhibits follicular development and ovulation. | Common: Nausea, headache. Rare: Blood clots (DVT/PE). | Combined oral contraception, HRT. | History of thromboembolism, breast cancer. |
Estradiol | Estrogen | Mimics natural estrogen → Regulates reproductive function and menstrual cycle. | Common: Breast tenderness, bloating. Rare: Stroke. | HRT, menopause symptoms, osteoporosis prevention. | History of stroke, estrogen-sensitive cancers. |
Norethindrone | Progestogen | Activates progesterone receptors → Inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and alters the endometrium. | Common: Irregular bleeding, weight gain. Rare: Blood clots. | Contraception, HRT. | Severe liver disease, history of thrombosis. |
Mifepristone (RU486) | Progesterone Antagonist | Blocks progesterone receptors → Causes breakdown of uterine lining → Induces pregnancy termination. | Common: Nausea, heavy bleeding. Rare: Sepsis. | Medical abortion. | Ectopic pregnancy, adrenal insufficiency. |