Flutamide

Drug Class

Antiandrogen, non-steroidal

Trade Names

Eulexin®

Dosage Forms

Capsules: Flutamide 125 mg Eulexin®
Tablets: Flutamide 125 mg Eulexin®

Flutamide has been used in conjunction with oral contraceptives in the treatment of hirsutism. This is not commonly used.

Flutamide binds to androgen receptors competitively inhibiting the actions of androgens at a cellular level. However, it also inhibits the negative feedback response of testosterone on the hypothalamus, thereby increasing plasma concentrations of testosterone and estrogen. Flutamide is metabolized in the liver and excreted renally.

Patient Monitoring

Hepatic function monitoring is recommended periodically

Drug Safety Information

Warnings !! Severe hepatotoxicity leading to death has been reported with flutamide.

• Safety and efficacy not established in patients <18 years old
• G6PD deficiency and tobacco smoking may predispose to aniline toxicity including methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia.

Adverse Effects

Cutaneous effects may include pruritus and hypersensitivity.

Gastrointestinal effects may include GI bleeding, bloating, diarrhea and hepatic toxicity.

Hematologic effects may include anemia, leukopenia, methemoglobinemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Central nervous system effects may include numbness, tingling, weakness, confusion, and dizziness

Other effects may include edema, hypertension, depression, gynecomastia and impotence.

FDA Pregnancy Category D

There are currently no indications for female patients. Decreased neonatal survival rates and vertebral abnormalities were noted in animal studies.

Major Drug Interactions

Concurrent administration of anticoagulants may increase prothrombin time.

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