Meprate - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

Overview:

Meprate is a progestin (a form of progesterone), which is used as a contraceptive pill. It inhibits ovulation by inhibiting LH surge and follicular development. Meprate is used to regularize the menstrual cycle as it has Progestin, which is a form of the hormone progesterone. The hormone progesterone is responsible for the shedding of the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) during menstruation, so it is also used to prevent the thickening of the endometrium. It is also used in a higher dose as a contraceptive.

Composition:

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is the Progestin that is found in Meprate tablets. It is available as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets, which are taken orally. It is the synthetic form of progesterone hormone. If the body lacks natural progesterone, this tablet is used to replace it.

What Is Meprate Used For?

Medroxyprogesterone is used to:

• Regulate irregular menstrual bleeding.

• Prevent thickening of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). As a result, it prevents cancer from developing in the uterus.

• Reduce the symptoms of menopause like a hot flush.

• Stop abnormal bleeding from the uterus.

• Induces periods in women having amenorrhea (absence of periods).

• As a contraceptive pill.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate prevents pregnancy by preventing the proper development of the ovum by reducing the secretion of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. It also increases the mucus secretion in the cervix, making it hard for the sperm to reach the egg.

Endometrial hyperplasia is due to more estrogen in the absence of progesterone. Due to the lack of progesterone, the uterine lining keeps getting deposited because of estrogen. In such a case, progestin helps shed the endometrium and prevents its thickening. Endometrial hyperplasia may lead to uterine cancer.

Can Meprate Be Used to Delay Periods?

Meprate will delay periods if you start taking it a few days before the date of your periods. You will mostly not get your periods for as long as you take the tablet. Once you stop, you will have some withdrawal bleeding in a few days. Never take this tablet without consulting a doctor.

Can Meprate Be Used to Avoid Pregnancy?

Meprate contains Progestin, which is used as a contraceptive. Meprate prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation and the endometrium from thickening if taken in higher doses. It is used to treat irregular menstruation, prevent cancer, and reduce symptoms of menopause.

How Does Meprate Work?

Meprate contains Medroxyprogesterone, which is a synthetic derivative of the female hormone progesterone. Progesterone is naturally produced by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle. This affects the endometrium by changing the proliferating stage to the secretory stage. This stops the growth of the endometrium and secretes the hormones and other proteins which are required for pregnancy if conception occurs or else menstruation takes place. It maintains the normal menstruation cycle by regularizing the menses and helps to achieve hormonal balance.

Dosage:

Meprate is available as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. The dosage can vary according to the condition you are using it for, so it is always necessary to consult your doctor before taking this medication.

• For abnormal or irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. The dosage usually prescribed is 5 or 10 mg daily for 10 days, starting from the 16th day of the menstrual cycle.

• For endometrial hyperplasia prevention: 5 or 10 mg every day for 12 to 14 consecutive days every month.

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Missed Dose:

If in case you forget to take a dose, take the next dose, and do not take the missed dose. It is not advisable to double the doses.

How To Take Meprate?

Meprate tablets should be taken as directed by your doctor. This tablet should be taken as a whole without crushing or chewing it. For better results, it should be taken at a fixed time every day. Do not discontinue the medication on your own.

What Are the Warnings and Precautions for Meprate?

It is important to inform your treating doctor about any pre-existing health condition or any allergy. Medroxyprogesterone acetate should be avoided or taken with precaution if you have any of the following condition:

• While on this tablet, if you feel chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, pain in the groin, and slurred speech, get medical assistance right away. This is because the tablet increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• It might cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Inform the doctor immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, etc.

• If you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy, then stop the drug and inform your doctor, as it can affect the fetus.

• Smoking should be avoided, as it increases the risk of stroke.

• The risk of heart disease is high if you are obese, diabetic or have high cholesterol.

• There is also a risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, breast and uterine cancer with this drug.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of any heart disease, stroke, blood clots, cancer, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease or any thyroid problem. Some precautions and dosage might need to be altered depending on the condition.

What Are the Contraindications for Meprate?

Medroxyprogesterone should be avoided in the following conditions:

• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause.

• Impaired liver function.

• Pregnancy.

• Uncontrolled diabetes.

• Uncontrolled hypertension.

• History of mental illness or depression.

• Breast cancer.

• Allergic to Medroxyprogesterone.

What Are the Side Effects of Meprate?

The following side effects may occur while taking this tablet:

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Abdominal cramps.

• Mood swings.

• Dizziness.

• Headache.

• Decrease urine output.

• Pain in the breast.

• Depression.

• Puffy eyes.

• Weakness.

• Weight gain or loss.

• Spotting.

• Fever.

• Blurred vision.

• Pain on urination.

• Dark spots on the face.

• Heart attack.

• Stroke.

• Hot flush.

• Blood clots.

• Reduces bone density.

• Sleeplessness.

• Acne.

• Abnormal hair growth.

• Liver and kidney problems.

• Allergic skin rashes.

As Meprate has many possible side effects and drug interactions, it is better to consult a gynecologist before taking this medicine.

Will Meprate Affect the Baby If Taken While Pregnant?

Medroxyprogesterone, if taken during pregnancy, can affect the baby. It might not cause abortion but can cause some bleeding. Some studies have found that taking Meprate during the first trimester increases the incidence of birth defects.

Does Medroxyprogesterone Cause Constipation?

Yes, constipation is a side effect of Medroxyprogesterone tablets.

Does Meprate Damage the Kidneys?

Meprate does not damage your kidneys. But if you have a pre-existing kidney condition, then it might worsen it. So always tell your doctor about any kidney disease before he or she prescribes this medicine.

What Are the Drug Interactions of Meprate?

Certain drugs that you are already taking might interact with this medicine and increase or decrease the effectiveness of the drug or cause side effects. The drugs that might interact with Meprate are:

• Aminoglutethimide.

• Rifampicin

• Itraconazole.

• Tranexamic acid.

• Phenytoin.

• Phenobarbital.

• Isotretinoin.

• Warfarin.

• Ritonavir.

• Cyclosporine.

What Are the Drug Substitutes for Meprate?

There are few drugs that can replace Meprate. They are:

• Tablet Deviry.

• Tablet Provera.

• Tablet Medolin.

• Tablet Regeeva.

• Tablet Medrogest.

• Tablet Modus.

As all drugs have their own side effects and drug interactions. It is always better to consult a gynecologist or family physician before taking any medicine. Self-medication is not advisable.