Drug use for period delay with dose
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Based on the textbook content retrieved, here is a comprehensive answer on drugs used for period (menstrual) delay:
Drugs Used for Period Delay
1. Norethisterone (Norethindrone) — Primary Drug of Choice
Drug class: Synthetic progestogen (progestin)
Mechanism: Maintains the progesterone-dominant endometrial environment, preventing the progesterone withdrawal that triggers menstruation.
Dose for period delay:
- Norethisterone 5 mg, taken 3 times daily (15 mg/day)
- Start 3 days before the expected period
- Continue for as long as delay is needed (typically up to 14–17 days)
- Menstruation usually begins 2–3 days after stopping the tablets
Important notes:
- This is not a contraceptive — sexual activity can still result in pregnancy while taking it
- Not suitable for women with a history of thromboembolic disease, liver disease, or those who are pregnant/may be pregnant
2. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)
Drug class: Synthetic progestogen
Dose:
- 10 mg orally, once or twice daily
- Start before expected menstruation; continue as needed
Used similarly to norethisterone for short-term menstrual delay, often employed pre-procedurally to prevent bleeding during clinical procedures.
3. Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)
Women already on the COCP can skip the pill-free interval (or inactive/placebo pills) and start the next pack immediately to delay withdrawal bleeding. This is a widely used, safe method for pill users.
4. Progestogen-Only Injectable (Long-Acting)
- Norethisterone enantate (NET-EN) and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) — used as contraceptives but also cause menstrual irregularity/amenorrhea, effectively stopping periods.
Summary Table
| Drug | Dose | Route | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norethisterone | 5 mg TDS (15 mg/day) | Oral | Start 3 days before expected period |
| Medroxyprogesterone acetate | 10 mg OD–BD | Oral | Before expected period |
| COCP (any brand) | Normal pill dose | Oral | Skip pill-free interval |
Norethisterone 5 mg TDS is the standard, most commonly prescribed drug for short-term period delay in clinical practice. Always screen for contraindications (pregnancy, thromboembolism risk, liver disease) before prescribing.
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