Agolutin

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Agolutin

Quick Facts

Attribute Detail
Active Ingredient Progesterone
Drug Class Progestogen (Sex Hormone)
Formulation Aqueous Suspension for Intramuscular Injection

What is Agolutin?

Agolutin is a brand name for a medicinal preparation whose active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is progesterone. Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid sex hormone that plays a critical role in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. It is classified as a progestogen, meaning it is an agonist of the progesterone receptor, which is its biological target within the body.

Formulation and Administration

Agolutin is generally formulated as an aqueous suspension for intramuscular (IM) injection. This formulation, often referred to as a 'depot' preparation (e.g., Agolutin Depot), contains tiny microcrystalline particles of the progesterone active ingredient suspended in a water-based vehicle. Once injected into the muscle, this suspension creates a depot from which the progesterone is slowly and gradually released into the bloodstream over time. This delivery mechanism provides a prolonged duration of action compared to non-depot injections or other forms.

Medical Use

In medicine, progesterone is used for various indications, including as a component of hormone therapy (often with an estrogen) to manage menopausal symptoms, to treat gynecological disorders such as secondary amenorrhea and functional uterine bleeding, and to provide support for pregnancy and fertility. The use of injectable progesterone, such as Agolutin, is subject to regional availability and specific medical guidelines.

What side effects are possible with Agolutin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for injectable progesterone (the active ingredient in Agolutin) is formally classified by regulatory authorities, with adverse reactions categorized by frequency and the organ system affected. This classification ranges from very common, expected effects to rare, serious safety signals.

Frequency and System Classification

Adverse reactions localized to the administration site, such as pain, swelling, irritation, or induration (hardening), are classified as Very Common (ge 1/10) due to the intramuscular route of injection. Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) systemic effects documented in the prescribing information include headache, dizziness, somnolence (drowsiness), nausea, abdominal pain, breast pain, and fatigue.

Reactions are grouped into System-Organ-Classes (SOC), including the Nervous System, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Reproductive System and Breast Disorders.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

Official regulatory documents highlight the potential for serious adverse reactions, including the risk of thromboembolic disorders (such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) and neuro-ocular lesions (e.g., retinal thrombosis).

Regulatory labels impose specific restrictions on use and include contraindications in individuals with an active or history of arterial or venous thromboembolism, severe hepatic impairment, or known/suspected breast or genital tract cancer.

Population-Specific Safety Notes

The prescribing information mandates specific observation for patients with a history of depression, as symptoms may worsen, and for diabetic patients due to the potential for altered glucose tolerance. Caution is also required for individuals with conditions influenced by fluid retention, such as asthma or cardiac dysfunction.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This section addresses the official guidance for suspected overdose of progesterone injection, the active ingredient in Agolutin, as documented in government regulatory sources (e.g., FDA-approved labeling and NIH DailyMed).

Manifestations of overdose are not extensively documented in specific 'Overdosage' sections of official prescribing information. Regulators, therefore, focus on mandatory emergency actions rather than listing unique symptoms.

Official Emergency Actions

The most important instruction upon suspected overdose is to seek professional medical help immediately. Official documents strictly advise taking the following steps:

Action Required Details
Get Immediate Care Call a poison control center or get medical care right away.
Information Readiness Be prepared to tell medical staff what substance was taken, the amount, and when it occurred.

Supportive Management

Official labeling confirms that no specific antidote for progesterone overdose is available. Treatment for a suspected overdose is supportive and should be overseen by a medical professional. Procedural steps such as gastric lavage or activated charcoal are not explicitly described or mandated in the regulatory 'Overdosage' sections.

Therapeutic Uses of Agolutin

What Agolutin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Agolutin contains progesterone and plays a role in managing symptoms related to reproductive health and supporting the menstrual cycle. Its therapeutic relevance lies in addressing conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, and is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden. Progestin medications, like the active component in Agolutin, are commonly used to help with symptoms related to regulating the menstrual cycle and addressing the symptom of unusual stopping of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).

This therapy is applied across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed. The treatment is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes where additional management of discomfort is required. The medicine contributes to easing the overall symptom load and helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods, particularly those involving irregular or absent cycles. This supportive relief is often used when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming. It may assist with maintaining functional stability and supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort.


Quick Fact: Relief for Cycle Disruption
Quick Fact: Relief for symptoms related to physical discomfort

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview of Progesterone

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Agolutin?

Agolutin, which contains the active ingredient Progesterone, has eligibility boundaries strictly defined by regulatory authorities to ensure appropriate use.

Eligibility scope Rule as Stated in Official Labeling
Populations for whom use is allowed Women requiring luteal phase support in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) protocols, or those with secondary amenorrhea and functional uterine bleeding (based on specific formulation approval).
Populations for whom use is not recommended Nursing Mothers (Lactation) and, for some ART indications, women 35 years of age and older where efficacy has not been clearly established.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with active or history of thromboembolic disorders (e.g., blood clots, stroke), known, suspected, or history of hormone-sensitive malignancies (e.g., breast cancer), acute liver disease, severe hepatic dysfunction, and undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
Age-related eligibility rules Pediatric Use is not established and not intended; Geriatric Use is often not recommended for women 65 years of age and older for certain indications.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Permitted only for first-trimester support in ART; Not Recommended or Contraindicated during lactation and for non-ART indications during pregnancy.

Eligibility-related restrictions also require careful observation for patients with conditions like diabetes, mild hepatic impairment, renal dysfunction, history of depression, or conditions aggravated by fluid retention (e.g., asthma, epilepsy). The official classification of use is based on three main severities: Contraindicated (absolute prohibition), Not Recommended (avoidance advised), and Caution/Observation (conditional use).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Agolutin (Progesterone) may interact with various prescription and nonprescription medicines, as well as certain herbal products. These interactions can potentially alter the effectiveness of Agolutin or the concurrent medication, or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform a healthcare provider of all current medications and supplements.

Medications that May Decrease Agolutin's Effect

Certain medications, particularly those that induce hepatic (liver) enzymes, may increase the metabolism of progesterone, potentially leading to lower blood levels of Agolutin and reducing its therapeutic effect. These include:

  • Anticonvulsants: Such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital.
  • Antibiotics/Antifungals: Including rifampicin, rifabutin, and griseofulvin.
  • HIV medications: Certain protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
  • Herbal supplements: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) can also induce enzymes and decrease the hormone's concentration.

Potential for Increased Side Effects

Conversely, some medications that inhibit liver enzymes may decrease the breakdown of Agolutin, leading to increased levels in the body and a greater risk of side effects like drowsiness. These include certain antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), and other CYP450 enzyme inhibitors.

Agolutin may also affect the metabolism of other drugs, such as cyclosporine, which could lead to increased blood levels and potential toxicity of the co-administered drug. Additionally, the concurrent use of Agolutin with anticoagulants like warfarin may necessitate closer monitoring of blood clotting parameters. Food and beverage interactions include grapefruit juice, which may increase progesterone concentrations in the blood when oral formulations are used.

Mechanism of Action

Agolutin (Progesterone) operates through multiple distinct mechanistic domains, primarily via full agonism at the intracellular Nuclear Progesterone Receptors (PR-A/PR-B). This binding modulates gene transcription to alter cellular function, driving the endometrium's structural change from a proliferative to a secretory phase and concurrently decreasing uterine muscle contractility.

A secondary action involves the drug's metabolism into the neurosteroid Allopregnanolone, which serves as a positive allosteric modulator of the inhibitory GABAA receptor in the brain. This enhancement of GABAergic activity increases neuronal inhibition, resulting in systemic CNS suppression.

Furthermore, Progesterone exerts negative feedback on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis), which suppresses the release of pituitary hormones (LH and FSH). It also acts as a competitive antagonist at the Mineralocorticoid Receptor (MR), consequently leading to increased natriuresis (sodium and water excretion).

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Method

Agolutin is intended for intramuscular administration. The solution is typically injected deep into a large muscle mass, such as the gluteal muscle. Proper technique is required to ensure the medication reaches the muscle tissue effectively.

Preparation of the Injection

Before administration, the oily solution should be inspected for clarity. If the solution has become cold, it may thicken or form crystals; in such cases, the ampoule can be warmed slightly by holding it in the hand or placing it in warm water until the solution returns to its liquid state and remains clear.

Disposal and Handling

Once the ampoule is opened, any remaining solution should be handled according to standard medical waste procedures. The use of a sterile needle and syringe for each application is necessary to maintain aseptic conditions throughout the process.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Agolutin

Evidence for Cycle Regulation: Amenorrhea and Abnormal Bleeding

The evidence for using injectable progesterone to manage irregular cycles, such as secondary amenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding, stems from initial regulatory studies and older randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies were used in research exploring how symptoms change over time in women of reproductive age. Researchers examined short-term outcomes related to systemic imbalance, specifically focusing on the occurrence of withdrawal bleeding after treatment. Findings reported patterns related to endometrial changes and contribute to the broader evidence landscape for this medication. However, comparative evidence is lacking against modern non-injectable progesterone forms.


Evidence for Luteal Phase Support in Fertility Treatments

For Luteal Phase Support (LPS) in assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), research studies explored this application through recent RCTs and systematic reviews. These studies examined primary outcomes related to observed rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth. The findings describe patterns related to achieving required progesterone levels in the bloodstream. Certainty remains low regarding specific comparative evidence between the injectable route and other support methods, as the research provides context but not individual predictions of superiority.


Research Gaps and Remaining Uncertainties

The evidence base has several notable research limitation frames. Follow-up durations were limited in many of the core studies, meaning long-term effects regarding the persistence of observed changes are not fully established. Data for specific groups, such as older adults, children, or women with certain comorbidities, remain insufficient. Furthermore, the overall evidence quality varies across studies, and many older trials relied on modest sample sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Agolutin (FAQ)

Q: Can Agolutin be used by men as well as women?

Regulatory documents indicate that the approved uses for this injection are specifically for conditions related to the female reproductive system. These include managing secondary amenorrhea (lack of a menstrual period) and providing luteal phase support in certain assisted reproductive technology (ART) protocols. The official information is therefore focused on female patients.

Q: What are the signs of a serious or allergic reaction to Agolutin?

Official safety data describes potential serious adverse reactions as including signs of thromboembolic disorders and neuro-ocular lesions (eye-related nerve or blood vessel issues). Specific signs of a generalized allergic reaction may also be described in the full prescribing label. The serious warnings and potential signs of serious adverse reactions are detailed in the official prescribing documentation.

Q: Can Agolutin cause mood changes, anxiety, or depression?

According to the official product information, the drug must be used with caution in patients with a history of depression, as symptoms of depression may be worsened. This is included in the warnings and precautions section of the regulatory label.

Q: Can Agolutin affect my ability to safely operate machinery or drive?

The official product information states that common side effects include drowsiness (somnolence) and dizziness. Since these effects may impair concentration and physical coordination, they could affect a patient’s ability to drive or safely operate machinery.

Q: Are there any dietary restrictions mentioned with Agolutin?

The official prescribing information for the oral formulation of progesterone notes a potential interaction with grapefruit juice. However, no specific dietary restrictions are generally listed for the injectable form, which is used for Agolutin.

Q: Are there known interactions between Agolutin and common over-the-counter medicines?

The official label warns of interactions with certain non-prescription medicines that may affect hormone blood levels. The official label requires that a healthcare provider be informed of all current over-the-counter medications and supplements before use.

Q: Does taking Agolutin with food make a difference?

Since Agolutin is given as an intramuscular injection, the official label does not specify any general food interactions for its administration. Food interactions are primarily noted in regulatory information for the oral form of progesterone.

Q: Are there different versions or brands of Agolutin available?

Agolutin is a brand name for the active ingredient progesterone. Official documentation confirms that other brands or formulations of progesterone for injection are also available, subject to regional authorization.

Q: Is there a generic version of Agolutin?

The active ingredient is progesterone injection in oil, which is available generically from multiple manufacturers in various concentrations, as listed in official drug databases.

Q: Is weight change a common reported side effect of Agolutin?

According to the official adverse reaction data, regulatory information lists changes in weight (which can include both gain and loss) among the common reported side effects of this medication.

Q: Is there a withdrawal period or specific instructions for stopping Agolutin?

The treatment course is typically defined as a short, fixed period of several consecutive days. The official label does not typically describe a specific withdrawal syndrome or symptoms of dependence that occur when treatment is stopped.

Q: Does Agolutin have a 'Black Box Warning' in official regulatory documents?

The official FDA label for Progesterone Injection in Oil does not carry a Black Box Warning. This is the most serious warning category. However, the label does contain other serious Warnings regarding risks such as thromboembolic disorders.

Q: Does Agolutin interact with alcohol consumption?

Official regulatory information for the injection does not explicitly mention an interaction between the medicine and alcohol consumption.

Q: Does Agolutin interact with birth control pills?

Official documents list interactions with various other medications, but do not specifically mention interactions with oral hormonal contraceptives in the main sections of the label.

Q: How long does Agolutin stay in your system?

Official pharmacokinetic data indicates that the drug has a very short half-life following its initial absorption from the depot injection site. Most of the active substance leaves the body within a few hours of the injection.

Q: Does the effectiveness of Agolutin decrease over time?

Because Agolutin is typically administered over a short, defined course of therapy, there is no regulatory statement in the label that suggests the effectiveness of the drug decreases (tolerance develops) during this short treatment period.

Q: How quickly can I expect to see the effects of Agolutin?

The official documents note that the oil-based formulation provides a prolonged duration of action due to its slow release. For conditions like cycle regulation, the time to initial therapeutic effect is often measured in days within clinical studies.

How should Agolutin be stored and disposed of?

Agolutin, as a progesterone injection, requires specific storage and disposal procedures as mandated by regulatory documents to preserve its quality.

Official Storage Requirements

Classification Requirement
Storage Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F) [Progesterone Injection, USP FDA Label].
Environmental Protection Must be stored in the original carton to protect from light. The product must not be frozen [FDA Label; General Parenteral Rules].

Handling and Disposal

The medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Before use, the solution must be visually inspected for particulate matter or discoloration. Any unused portion of the product must be discarded as directed by the label. Used needles and syringes must be immediately placed in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container and should not be thrown into the household trash [FDA Sharps Disposal Guidelines]. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of via a local drug take-back program or, if unavailable, by mixing with an undesirable substance and placing in a sealed container for household trash disposal [FDA Disposal Guidelines].

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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