Allylestrenol

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Allylestrenol

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Allylestrenol

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Allylestrenol (Allylestrenolum)
Form Tablet (Oral formulation)
Pharmacological class Synthetic Progestogen, Estren derivative
Common use Pregnancy supportive therapy
Origin Synthetic steroid hormone

What Type of Medicine is Allylestrenol and What is its Origin?

Allylestrenol is classified as a synthetic progestin, which is a compound designed to replicate the biological effects of natural progesterone. The active substance is chemically a steroid and a gonane derivative. This medication is entirely synthetic in origin, distinguishing it from natural progesterone; this structure facilitates its effective absorption and utility when administered orally. Allylestrenol belongs to the group of Estren derivatives, a class of progestogens clinically recognized for their high progestational activity and stability. This established pharmacological profile supports its primary role in regulating hormonal support.

Composition and Standard Drug Form

The active component is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) substance, Allylestrenolum, which functions as a progesterone receptor agonist. This medication is typically manufactured as tablets and is formulated as a single active ingredient product. Unlike many hormonal agents that require complex delivery systems, Allylestrenol is notable for its stability and effectiveness as an oral formulation. Several medications utilize this compound, often positioned as hormonal support for high-risk pregnancies, establishing it as a key INN for reproductive medicine.

General Purpose and High-Level Action

The primary purpose of Allylestrenol is to provide pregnancy supportive therapy by maintaining the necessary hormonal stability of the uterus. Its fundamental action involves promoting uterine relaxation, which helps to reduce excessive myometrial contractions. Its role includes improving pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion. This supports its typical use scenario: providing hormonal reinforcement for pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. The overall benefit is linked to its capacity to provide continuous hormonal reinforcement, which is crucial for regulating uterine contractility during pregnancy.

What side effects are possible with Allylestrenol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section outlines the officially documented adverse effects and safety constraints for Allylestrenol, based strictly on government regulatory summaries and prescribing information.

Documented Adverse Reactions

Side effects reported in regulatory documents are generally grouped by the system-organ class affected. These include:

System-Organ Class Examples of Documented Effects
Gastrointestinal Nausea, Vomiting
Nervous System Headache, Dizziness, Depression, Anxiety
Reproductive System & Breast Breast Tenderness, Changes in Libido, Menstrual disturbances
General Disorders Fatigue, Fever, Swelling (Oedema), Change in weight
Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue Unwanted hair growth (Hirsutism)

Serious Adverse Reactions

The official safety profile highlights reactions that are rare but serious and require prompt attention. These include Thromboembolic Events (blood clot formation), Severe Liver Dysfunction (including liver failure), and Severe Allergic Reactions. The medication must be discontinued immediately if Loss of Vision or significant visual disturbances occur.

Safety Restrictions and Limitations (Contraindications)

Allylestrenol must not be used (is contraindicated) in individuals with specific pre-existing conditions, including:

  • Known Hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.
  • Severe Liver Disease.
  • Hormone-Dependent Cancers (e.g., breast, uterine).
  • History of Thromboembolic Disorders.
  • Undiagnosed Vaginal Bleeding or Incomplete Abortion.

Safety Notes for Specific Populations

  • Breastfeeding: Not recommended, as the substance may pass into breast milk.
  • Pediatric Use: Not indicated for or recommended in children under 16 years.
  • Monitoring: Caution and monitoring are advised for patients with conditions like Epilepsy/Seizures, Migraines, Diabetes, or significant Kidney/Heart problems.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documentation for Allylestrenol and related progestogens classifies acute oral overdose as having low acute toxicity. Serious or life-threatening complications are not typically expected or formally documented in prescribing information. However, it is mandatory to seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if a patient takes a large dose or several tablets at once.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Acute overdose may be associated with manifestations that are primarily transient and non-severe, as listed in regulatory summaries.

System Affected Documented Signs/Symptoms
Gastrointestinal Nausea, Vomiting
Central Nervous System Dizziness, Sleepiness (Somnolence)

Emergency Action and Management

Regulatory agencies uniformly mandate a strict response protocol following suspected overdose:

  • When to Seek Help: Seek immediate medical attention or consult a doctor without delay, even if symptoms are not yet apparent.
  • Antidote Status: No specific antidote is known for Allylestrenol, as confirmed in official documents.
  • Treatment Protocol: Management is limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment to address any discomfort or clinical presentation. This approach is standard given the drug's low acute toxicity profile documented in official prescribing information.

The requirement to seek professional assistance is a standard regulatory measure to ensure proper clinical assessment and observation.

Therapeutic Uses of Allylestrenol

Quick Facts: Uses and Indications

  • Pregnancy Support: Used to help manage threatened and recurrent miscarriage.
  • Uterine Health: May be used to address threatened premature labor.
  • Obstetrics: Sometimes used as a component of care for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Allylestrenol is a medication that may be prescribed by a healthcare provider primarily in obstetrics and gynecology. Its main applications relate to supporting pregnancy in individuals who may be at an elevated risk of specific complications.

Allylestrenol is used to manage the risk of threatened abortion and recurrent miscarriage, and it may contribute to a more stable uterine environment for the continuation of pregnancy. Its use may also be associated with addressing threatened premature labor in some patients. In addition, Allylestrenol has been investigated for potential use in managing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The medication has been widely utilized in various countries globally for these indications.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Profile: Who Can and Cannot Use Allylestrenol?

This section outlines the official eligibility and non-eligibility requirements for Allylestrenol, based strictly on government regulatory documents.

Allylestrenol is absolutely contraindicated (must not be used) in patients with the following conditions:

  • Hypersensitivity or allergy to Allylestrenol or any component of the formulation.
  • Known or suspected hormone-dependent malignancies (cancers).
  • Severe liver disease, including specific conditions like Cholestatic Jaundice, Hepatitis, and Hepatic Cell Tumours.
  • Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
  • Incomplete Abortion or Toxaemia of Pregnancy.

Restrictions and Conditional Use

Use of Allylestrenol requires special consideration and caution in patients with a history of:

  • Thromboembolic disorders (blood clots) or cardiovascular disease.
  • Kidney disease or renal dysfunction.
  • Seizures (Epilepsy) or migraine headaches.
  • Depression or asthma.

Age and Life Stage Eligibility

  • Pediatric Use: The medicine is not recommended for children under 16 years old, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.
  • Pregnancy: Allylestrenol is one of the few hormonal agents specifically intended for use during pregnancy to address certain complications, which defines its primary eligibility.
  • Breastfeeding: Use is not recommended while breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Allylestrenol Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Allylestrenol is fundamentally defined by its restricted availability in major international markets. Allylestrenol is not currently approved for use or widely marketed in the United States or Canada, which means that comprehensive drug-drug interaction information is not publicly available in accessible regulatory prescribing documents from authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

As a result, the accessible official regulatory information does not formally classify or detail specific interaction constraints across several crucial categories:

Interaction Domain Official Regulatory Status (Accessible Sources)
Contraindicated Combinations None formally classified.
Metabolic Interactions (PK) No specific CYP enzyme or transporter-based interactions are listed.
Exposure Modification No substances are officially listed as raising or lowering drug levels.
Timing Rules No mandatory separation of administration times is documented.
Food, Alcohol, Supplements No specific interactions are cited in the accessible official labels.

This documentation status defines the product's official interaction structure. The regulatory statements do not identify specific substances as posing a clinically significant interaction risk, nor do they impose usage constraints such as mandatory timing requirements. The overall interaction profile reflects an absence of explicit prohibitions or procedural constraints in accessible government data.

Mechanism of Action

Allylestrenol is a synthetic progestogen that primarily acts as an agonist for the Progesterone Receptors (PRs), modulating physiological processes related to myometrial and immune function.

Receptor Agonism and Uterine Quiescence

This mechanistic domain focuses on Allylestrenol's direct binding to Progesterone Receptors (PRs) in the myometrium (uterine muscle). This action influences cellular dynamics within the uterine tissue, dampening the excitability of the muscle and reducing the expression of contraction-inducing molecules like oxytocin receptors and prostaglandins, leading to uterine quiescence.

Immunomodulation at the Fetomaternal Interface

The drug's progestogenic signaling influences the local immune system at the implantation site. It shifts maternal immune activity from a pro-inflammatory T helper 1 (Th1) profile toward a T helper 2 (Th2) profile, a shift that influences maternal immune response at the fetomaternal interface, affecting immune cell activity.

Endometrial Regulation and Decidual Stability

Allylestrenol engages in hormonal regulation influencing the structural characteristics of the uterine lining. This mechanism promotes proper decidualization and maintains the necessary vascularization and stability of the endometrium, which contributes to the structural characteristics of the placental foundation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Allylestrenol is a synthetic progestogen typically available as an oral tablet, primarily prescribed to help maintain pregnancy in cases of threatened or recurrent miscarriage and to prevent premature labor. You must take this medication exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.

General Administration

  • Oral Use: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew it.
  • With or Without Food: Allylestrenol can be taken with or without food, but taking it consistently—either always with food or always without—may aid in better absorption and efficacy.
  • Consistency: Take your dose at the same time each day to help maintain steady drug levels in your body.

Dosage and Duration

Your healthcare provider will determine the dosage and duration of treatment based on your specific medical condition and indication. Common dosing regimens vary significantly, for example:

  • Threatened Abortion/Miscarriage: A suggested regimen is often 5 mg three times daily for approximately five to seven days, which may be extended as needed.
  • Habitual (Recurrent) Abortion: Treatment may start with 5 mg daily after pregnancy confirmation and may continue until at least one month after the period of risk has passed.

Do not stop taking Allylestrenol abruptly, even if your symptoms improve, without consulting your doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage may be necessary to avoid hormonal imbalance. Report any unusual side effects or worsening conditions to your physician immediately.


Indication (Examples) Suggested Dosing Regimen
Threatened Abortion 5 mg three times daily for 5-7 days
Habitual Abortion 5 mg daily, continued as per medical advice

Note: Dosage is highly individualized. Only follow the specific regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider, as the doses listed above are for informational context only.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Allylestrenol: Recent Clinical Evidence

This section provides a summary of the clinical research and evidence patterns related to Allylestrenol, drawing from authoritative studies and regulatory overviews. It describes the types of research that have been conducted, the areas they have explored, and where research remains limited or uncertain.


Evidence for Use in Recurrent Miscarriage and Threatened Abortion

Research has explored the role of Allylestrenol in contexts associated with maintaining pregnancy. For recurrent miscarriage (defined as two or more prior pregnancy losses), studies have primarily relied on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative clinical studies, focusing on pregnant women with this history. Research examined measured outcomes, including key pregnancy metrics such as live birth rates after 24 weeks and the rates of pregnancy loss before the second trimester.

For threatened abortion, evidence was largely derived from comparative clinical studies, including observational designs. These studies observed pregnant women who were experiencing signs indicative of threatened loss. Research examined delivery outcomes, monitoring successful delivery rates and overall miscarriage rates. Data for certain specialized groups, such as those with comorbid conditions, remain insufficient. Evidence is limited due to a smaller number of dedicated, large-scale RCTs in this acute setting.


Research Structure for Fertility Support (Luteal Phase)

Allylestrenol was evaluated in research exploring its use for luteal phase support in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The evidence base mainly relies on large-scale retrospective observational studies. These studies explored fertility metrics, and the outcomes measured included the clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where pregnancy rates were documented alongside those of other established therapies used for luteal support. Research exploring its use in ART has limitations because the studies were retrospective.


Long-Term Evidence and Research Gaps

Research for Allylestrenol was focused on outcomes measured over short-term and intermediate periods of pregnancy, generally spanning the first and second trimesters and extending through the delivery date. While research reports how pregnancy outcomes evolved in the observed populations up to the point of birth, there is limited information for long-term outcomes or durability of effect beyond the immediate postnatal period.

Key limitations include the fact that sample sizes were modest in some of the most relevant older studies. There is a paucity of dedicated, high-quality, contemporary research specifically focused on secondary uses, such as threatened premature labor and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Continued research is ongoing to fill these existing evidence gaps.

How should Allylestrenol be stored and disposed of?

Allylestrenol tablets must be stored according to the requirements specified in the official labeling to maintain their effectiveness and stability.

Storage Conditions

Scope Element Official Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Store below 30 C (room temperature). Do not freeze or refrigerate.
Protection Must be protected from light and moisture.
Packaging Keep the tablets in the original outer carton/packaging until use.
Child-Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disposal Instructions

Disposal of unused or expired Allylestrenol must comply with local waste management protocols. Unused medicine should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements for drug waste, such as official take-back programs. Medicines must not be thrown away via wastewater (flushing down the toilet) to prevent environmental contamination.

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

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