Brand Name Manufacturers

Almedion by ?
Aquadiol by ?
Climara by Berlex Labs (film)
Dermestril by ? in Italy
Estraderm by Ciba (film)
Estrace by B/M Squibb (oral)
Estrafem by Novo Nordisk in Denmark
Estrovite by ?
Follicyclin by ?
Gynoestryl by ?
Menorest by ?
Oestrogel by Laboratoires Besins Iscovesco
Ovociclina by ? in Italy
Ovocyclin by ?
Profoliol B by ? in Switzerland
Vagifem by ?
Vivelle by Ciba (film)
Zumenon by Solvay

Generic Manufacturers

Apothecon
Geneva
Goldline
Major
Moore
Qualitest
Rugby
Watson

Pharmacology

17b estradiol with same effect as endogenous estrogen

Delivery

Oral tablets 0.5, 1, 2mg
Extended release film 0.0375, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1mg/24hrs
Vaginal cream and suppositories
Gel

Typical dosage

Pre-op oral 4-8mg/day, 2-4 film patches 0.1 changed twice weekly
Post-op oral 1-4mg/day, film 0.05 or 0.1 changed twice weekly - weekly
Need more data about typical cream, suppository, and gel dosage and absorption.

Availability

Approved by U.S. FDA

Indications

Estrogen replacement therapy in females

Contraindications

Active blood clotting disorders. Estrogen-dependent tumors. History of blood clotting disorders associated with estrogen use. History of sensitivity to estradiol or any part of the preparation. Known or suspected breast cancer except in appropriately selected patients.

Adverse reactions

CNS

Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Migraine. Mental depression. Spasms of limb and facial muscles.

Eyes

Intolerance to contact lenses. Steepening of corneal curvature.

Gastrointestinal

Abdominal cramps. Bloating. Cholestatic jaundice. Nausea. Vomiting.

Skin

Blotchy skin pigmentation. Localized skin irritation. Loss of scalp hair. Increase of body hair. Red skin patches from capillary congestion.

Other

Blood clotting disorders. Elevated blood pressure. Fluid retention. Glucose intolerance. Increased serum calcium level. Increased sensitivity to light. Liver tumors.

Comments

The Climara and Vivelle films reportedly lasts longer, and probably deliver more, than the Estraderm brand.