Perludil

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Perludil

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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 Perludil

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Estradiol enantate and Algestone acetophenide
Form Oily solution for injection
Pharmacological Class Combined Sex-Hormonal Preparation / Injectable Contraceptive
Common Use Prevention of pregnancy (Contraception)
Origin Synthetic/Derived (steroidal hormones)

What Type of Medicine is Perludil?

Perludil is a prescription-only medication categorized as a Combined Sex-Hormonal Preparation, primarily utilized for effective contraception. It is structurally an original brand name for the combination of Estradiol enantate/Algestone acetophenide, a formulation that is clinically recognized for its use as a long-acting injectable contraceptive (CIC) in various markets. This preparation offers a convenient once-a-month dosing schedule. As a combined injectable birth control type, it is a highly effective method for family planning when administered correctly.

Composition and Form: What is Perludil Made Of?

The therapeutic efficacy of Perludil stems from its combination product status, featuring the two active ingredients: the estrogen ester Estradiol enantate and the progestogen Algestone acetophenide (Dihydroxyprogesterone Acetophenide). These compounds are derived from natural steroid structures but are synthesized to enhance their stability and prolong their biological effect. The medication is supplied specifically as an oily solution for injection, a form that dictates its intramuscular route of administration. This oily base creates a specialized drug depot within the muscle tissue, which is fundamental to the medicine’s long-acting character, ensuring the sustained release of the hormones over a four-week period.

Regulatory References

  1. Algestone Acetophenide MeSH Descriptor Data

What side effects are possible with Perludil?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile for Perludil, a combined sex-hormonal preparation, is officially documented according to regulatory standards for systemic estrogen and progestin therapy. The documented adverse reactions are grouped into formal System-Organ Classes.


Category Regulatory Safety Note
Serious Adverse Reactions The use of this medicine is associated with documented serious risks, including Thromboembolic Events (blood clots, such as DVT, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke, and Myocardial Infarction) and the potential for certain Malignant Neoplasms (e.g., breast cancer), as stated in official regulatory warnings.
Common Adverse Reactions Reactions classified as common in official documents often involve Reproductive System Disorders (changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, spotting, amenorrhea), Nervous System Disorders (headache, dizziness), Gastrointestinal Disorders (nausea, abdominal pain), and general systemic effects (weight gain, breast tenderness).
Time-Related Patterns Regulatory data indicate that adverse events related to menstrual changes, such as irregular bleeding and amenorrhea, are typically most likely to occur during the initial months of use.
Population Restrictions The medicine is subject to regulatory contraindications that prohibit its use in individuals with conditions such as a history of active thromboembolic disease, severe hepatic impairment, or known estrogen-dependent cancers.

The regulatory safety structure defines the most clinically significant risk as the potential for thromboembolic events, a factor that governs its formal contraindications. By contrast, the most frequently documented adverse events relate to minor hormonal changes. This classification framework defines the medicine’s risk profile, strictly adhering to the boundaries set by government regulatory documentation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Manifestations and Severity

Official regulatory documentation states that an overdose of this combined hormonal preparation is not likely to be life-threatening. However, a specific range of clinical manifestations are formally documented in official prescribing information.

Documented Overdose Manifestations Physiological Systems Affected
Nausea, Vomiting, Drowsiness, Headache Central Nervous System / Gastrointestinal
Breast tenderness, Emotional changes Endocrine / Central Nervous System
Fluid retention, Excessive vaginal bleeding Fluid/Electrolyte Balance / Reproductive System

Overdose presentations are generally associated with the administration of large hormonal amounts and may result in the manifestation of these symptoms, with excessive vaginal bleeding typically occurring several days after the exposure event. No specific population-based overdose risks are explicitly defined in official labeling.

Emergency Actions and Management

Regulatory information mandates that medical help must be sought right away upon suspicion of overdose. Patients must contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or local emergency services immediately.

The management protocol for this type of overdose is strictly supportive and symptomatic, as no specific antidote is known or documented. Required procedures include emergency room monitoring of vital signs (temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure) and conducting blood and urine tests. Patients are officially instructed not to induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional or Poison Control Center.

Therapeutic Uses of Perludil

What Perludil Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Perludil is generally applied to provide supportive relief for a range of symptoms that may create noticeable physiological strain. It is used across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms.

Therapeutic Symptom and Condition Management

The medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes and recurrent manifestations. It is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, offering symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes. This support is available in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension.

The medication is relevant in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms. It is applied when conditions produce significant symptomatic burden, supporting management of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. It may assist with maintaining functional stability when symptoms become more noticeable.


General Therapeutic Support

Perludil is used in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate. It contributes to improved day-to-day comfort and provides supportive relief during difficult episodes, helping to ease the overall symptom burden.

Quick Fact: Support for Physiological Strain The medication may assist with maintaining functional stability during episodes of heightened symptoms.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Perludil?

Perludil, as a Combined Injectable Contraceptive (CIC), is intended for use by women of reproductive age, generally from menarche through age 40, who do not have specific health contraindications. Eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory criteria focusing on a patient’s vascular, hepatic, and reproductive health profile.

Populations Who Must Not Use Perludil (Contraindicated)

Official regulatory documents identify conditions where the health risks are unacceptable, formally prohibiting use. This includes patients with:

  • Active or history of thromboembolic disorders (such as DVT, PE, stroke, or heart attack).
  • Known thrombogenic mutations.
  • Current breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive tumors, and severe liver impairment (e.g., severe cirrhosis or malignant tumors).
  • Uncontrolled hypertension or migraine with aura (at any age).
  • Women age 35 or older who smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day.
  • Women who are pregnant or less than six weeks postpartum and breastfeeding.

Restricted Use and Age Considerations

Use is generally restricted in certain conditions where risks may outweigh benefits, such as controlled hypertension (BP 140–159 / 90–99 mmHg) or in women with a history of breast cancer (disease-free for five years). The medicine is not applicable for post-menopausal women, as the indication is for contraception.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official interaction profile for Perludil is defined by documented pharmacokinetic changes resulting from the co-administration of other medicinal products and specific substances. The active hormone components are metabolized via the Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme system, meaning co-administered agents that affect this pathway can alter hormone exposure.

Agents That Decrease Hormone Exposure

Medicinal products classified as strong CYP3A4 inducers are documented in regulatory labeling to reduce the plasma concentration of the active ingredients. This pharmacokinetic outcome results in a decrease in therapeutic effect. Specific interacting medicines explicitly cited by regulatory bodies include the antibiotic Rifampin and certain anticonvulsants, such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and Phenobarbital. Furthermore, the herbal product St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is documented as an inducer that carries the same risk. Co-use with strong inducers is associated with a high risk of loss of therapeutic effectiveness.

Agents That May Increase Hormone Exposure

Conversely, co-administration with CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the hormone's plasma concentration. Specific pharmaceutical agents documented to have this potential include the antifungals Ketoconazole and Itraconazole. Additionally, the consumption of Grapefruit juice is cited in regulatory documents as a substance that may inhibit CYP3A4 activity, potentially resulting in increased hormone exposure.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of the Estradiol enantate/Algestone acetophenide combination involves three coordinated physiological actions, all initiated by the hormones acting as agonists on their respective nuclear receptors. The primary mechanism targets the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis). By binding to Estrogen Receptors ( ER) and Progesterone Receptors ( PR) in the hypothalamus and pituitary, the synthetic hormones establish a negative feedback signal. This central blockade inhibits the release of Luteinizing Hormone ( LH), which is the physiological trigger for ovulation, resulting in anovulation.

Secondary mechanisms involve the progestin’s peripheral effects. Activation of PR in the endocervical glands increases the viscosity of the cervical mucus, creating a physical barrier that impedes sperm movement. Concurrently, the progestin-driven changes in the endometrium lead to a tissue state that is unreceptive. The long duration of action is achieved through the esterification of the hormones, which form a stable intramuscular depot for slow, sustained release.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Perludil — administration guidelines

Field Entity
Route of administration: Intramuscular Injection (IM).
Dosing schedule: A single injection containing Estradiol enantate 10 mg and Algestone acetophenide 150 mg.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable): Not applicable; the administration route is parenteral.
Preparation requirements (if applicable): Supplied as an oily solution for injection; no pre-injection dilution is generally specified.
Age-group administration rules: Specified for use in women of reproductive age for cyclic use.
Missed-dose rules: If the scheduled interval is exceeded, a specific procedural assessment is required before the next injection is administered.
Special procedural conditions: Administration must be performed by trained health personnel using a deep intramuscular technique to establish the long-acting hormone depot.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Field Classification
Administration method type: Parenteral (Injectable).
Frequency pattern: Cyclic Monthly (Injections every 25 to 30 days).
Clinical basis: Based on the prescribing information for the Combined Injectable Contraceptive (CIC) class.
Use-context constraints: The initial dose must be timed during the early phase of the menstrual cycle (e.g., between Day 1 and Day 5).

Resulting Procedural Structure

Step sequence:

  • First Dose Timing: Administration of the initial dose via deep Intramuscular (IM) injection between Day 1 and Day 5 of the menstrual cycle.
  • Subsequent Dose Timing: Repetition of the full dose via IM injection at precise intervals, ranging from 25 to 30 days, to maintain the schedule.
  • Regimen Continuation: The injection schedule must be continuously followed at the specified monthly interval for the duration of its prescribed use.

Connection to the overall use protocol: The instructions establish a fixed, long-acting parenteral use protocol defined by a standardized dose and a specific 25 to 30-day cyclic schedule. This protocol dictates that the medication must be professionally administered via intramuscular injection with specific timing relative to the menstrual cycle for both initiation and ongoing use. The procedural rules emphasize the consistent repetition of the injection at precise intervals as the foundation of the regimen.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Perludil

Evidence for Use in Preventing Pregnancy

Clinical research for this injectable formulation was studied for the prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age. The research base includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that included other methods as comparators or controls, alongside large-scale prospective studies designed to observe patterns of use over many treatment cycles in clinical family planning settings.

Researchers primarily monitored contraceptive outcomes, such as the Pearl Index, and examined usage patterns (tracking rates of continuation and medical/non-medical discontinuation).

Studies reported specific contraceptive outcomes for the population studied, as documented by official measures. Trials described different patterns observed in continuation, with reports showing that medical reasons—primarily changes in the menstrual profile (such as irregular bleeding)—were consistently cited as a primary factor for discontinuation. Furthermore, research described that research reports an association with changes in certain metabolic markers, including shifts in lipid levels and blood coagulation factors, which was observed in the studies.

⏳ Follow-up Duration and Return to Fertility Studies

Research explored the duration of exposure and the reversal of the hormone's action after use stops. Studies monitored participants over short-term intervals, typically three to 12 consecutive monthly cycles, to establish initial use patterns and pharmacodynamic effects. Beyond these initial periods, data show patterns related to use spanning years of cumulative exposure from large observational cohorts.

Specific pharmacodynamic studies examined the time it took for ovulation patterns to resume after the final injection was given. Studies monitored the return of ovulation patterns, and reported specific timeframes for this process post-treatment. This evidence contributes to understanding the timeframe of measured physiological changes after the injectable is discontinued.

What is Still Uncertain About Perludil

Research highlights what is known, but evidence also indicates areas where certainty remains low. One key limitation is that some of the earliest development records describe concerns from early animal toxicology studies, which raised questions about potential long-term accumulation or specific tissue changes. Although later human studies did not report these serious findings, this information remains part of the drug's official regulatory history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Perludil (FAQ)

Q: Is Perludil the same as other 'birth control' injections/pills?

A: Perludil belongs to a specific class of medication called a Combined Injectable Contraceptive ( CIC). This differs from daily oral contraceptive pills and certain other single-hormone injectable contraceptives, which utilize distinct formulations and may follow different dosing schedules. Official information classifies it based on its specific active ingredients and monthly injection frequency.

Q: How long does it typically take to see the benefits of Perludil?

A: The primary benefit is contraception. The contraceptive effect is initiated when the first dose is administered in accordance with the official protocol, typically between Day 1 and Day 5 of the menstrual cycle. Contraceptive protection is not instant upon administration, and the official label information specifies the protective time frame for the initial cycle.

Q: Is there a waiting period before Perludil starts working?

A: If the first injection is administered after the fifth day of the menstrual cycle, regulatory information states that a non-hormonal barrier method (such as condoms) is required for the initial seven days to ensure protection. This measure is in place to establish the necessary hormone levels for efficacy.

Q: Can drinking alcohol affect the effectiveness of Perludil?

A: Official regulatory warnings focus on enzyme-inducing drugs and grapefruit juice as substances that may affect hormone levels. Official product information does not generally contain a specific warning that typical alcohol consumption impairs the contraceptive efficacy of the injection.

Q: Why do some people experience initial nausea when starting Perludil?

A: Nausea is listed as a Common Adverse Reaction in regulatory documents. This effect is generally related to the initial, temporary systemic exposure to the hormones as the body adjusts to the new medication. Official reports indicate that this side effect is most likely to occur during the initial adjustment phase and may resolve after the first few cycles.

Q: Are there specific foods or drinks to avoid while using Perludil?

A: The only specific food or drink documented in regulatory documents to potentially affect hormone levels is grapefruit juice. The product label explicitly cites grapefruit juice as a substance that may inhibit the metabolism of the active ingredients, potentially resulting in increased hormone exposure.

Q: Does Perludil affect blood pressure or cholesterol levels?

A: Official safety information indicates the medicine is associated with a risk of elevated blood pressure and may cause shifts in certain metabolic markers, including lipid levels (cholesterol and fats in the blood). Monitoring of these factors is part of the recommended periodic medical follow-up during use.

Q: Do different brands of Perludil have the same ingredients?

A: Different brands that are clinically defined by the same combination (Estradiol enantate/Algestone acetophenide) contain the same two active ingredients. However, the exact formulation, strength, and specific inactive ingredients may vary slightly by country or brand name based on local regulatory standards.

Q: Why is Perludil sometimes preferred over oral treatments?

A: The primary advantage cited in clinical summaries is the convenience of a once-a-month dosing schedule, as the injection eliminates the need for daily pill taking. This feature is intended to enhance compliance with the monthly contraceptive regimen.

Q: Is hair loss or hair thinning a reported side effect of Perludil?

A: Specific side effects related to changes in hair are not universally listed in all regulatory documents. While official labeling may not universally list hair loss or thinning as a specific adverse reaction, general adverse effects related to skin and associated tissues are noted for hormonal products in this class.

Q: Is Perludil a treatment or just a way to manage symptoms?

A: Perludil is indicated as a Combined Injectable Contraceptive for the specific purpose of preventing pregnancy. It is not formally indicated as a primary treatment for specific symptoms or diseases, though it may be used for menstrual cycle management.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for taking Perludil?

A: The product is for use in women of reproductive age and is contraindicated (must not be used) for women who are post-menopausal. Specific regulatory contraindications also apply to women aged 35 or older who smoke, as stated in the official safety warnings.

Q: Is it necessary to have regular check-ups while on Perludil?

A: Regulatory documents recommend periodic medical follow-up and evaluation during the course of use. This periodic medical follow-up includes monitoring of blood pressure and risk factors for the continued use of the medication.

Q: What are the rare but serious side effects of Perludil to be aware of?

A: The most significant serious adverse reactions listed in official warnings include Thromboembolic Events (blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or heart attack) and the potential for certain Malignant Neoplasms (e.g., breast cancer). These potential risks are key factors that determine the formal contraindications for its use.

Q: Can Perludil be used by adolescents?

A: The medicine is generally indicated for use in women of reproductive age, which typically includes adolescents post-menarche (after menstruation has begun). Use in this group is based on established medical criteria and is determined by a qualified healthcare professional.

Q: Does Perludil cause changes in libido?

A: Yes, changes in libido (sex drive) have been reported as an adverse reaction in clinical trials and regulatory documents for the combined hormonal contraceptive class.

Q: What are the signs that Perludil is not working as intended?

A: The most significant sign that the product is failing in its primary role is pregnancy. Other clinical indicators may involve unusual or unexpected breakthrough bleeding patterns, which official information states should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Q: Is it safe to drive or operate machinery after taking Perludil?

A: Regulatory documents typically state that combined hormonal contraceptives have no known or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. However, users who experience side effects such as dizziness should avoid driving or operating machinery.

Q: Can Perludil cause changes in appetite?

A: While weight gain is listed as a common adverse reaction, changes in appetite are not always specifically listed as a separate side effect in regulatory documents. They may be related to the common systemic effects that can lead to weight gain.

Q: Can Perludil cause changes in mood or weight?

A: Official safety documents list weight gain as a common side effect. Mood changes, including feelings of depression or anxiety, have also been reported as adverse reactions for this class of hormonal products.

Q: Is it normal to have light spotting or bleeding while on Perludil?

A: Yes, spotting and irregular bleeding are listed as common adverse reactions in regulatory documents. These changes in the menstrual profile are considered most likely to occur during the initial months of use as the body adjusts to the hormonal regimen.

Q: What happens when you stop taking Perludil?

A: After the last injection, the hormone levels will gradually decrease. Studies on the return to fertility show that ovulation patterns typically resume within a specific timeframe after the final dose. The return of pre-treatment menstrual cycle characteristics or symptoms may also occur.

Q: How quickly does the body clear Perludil once treatment stops?

A: The drug is designed to be long-acting, creating a depot to release hormones over a four-week period. Clearance is gradual, and studies monitor the return of ovulation patterns, which is used to estimate the time required for the body to eliminate the active drug components.

Q: What is the typical duration of treatment with Perludil?

A: There is no universally stated maximum duration for the use of this drug. However, periodic reassessment of the user's risk profile, especially the potential for thromboembolic events, is a regulatory requirement for the ongoing duration of use.

Q: What is the connection between Perludil and bone density?

A: The regulatory documents for this specific combination do not explicitly cite bone density loss as a documented adverse effect. However, bone health is a general regulatory consideration for long-term hormonal methods, and official sources recommend monitoring related risk factors during use.

Q: Can I switch from a different medication straight to Perludil?

A: The protocol for switching from another contraceptive method (such as an oral pill or IUD) is subject to specific instructions to ensure continuous contraceptive coverage. The transition protocol must be precisely managed by a healthcare provider to ensure continuous contraceptive coverage.

How should Perludil be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Perludil: Official Requirements

The regulatory profile for storing Perludil is defined by strict environmental controls to maintain drug stability and efficacy until its expiration date.

Storage & Disposal Scope Official Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Do not freeze the product.
Handling/Protection Keep the medicine in its original blister or container to protect it from excessive light and moisture. Avoid storing in areas prone to heat, such as a bathroom.
Child Safety Keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children in a secure location to prevent accidental ingestion.
Disposal The primary official method for discarding unused or expired product is via a drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the medicine must be mixed with an unappealing substance (like cat litter), sealed in a container, and disposed of in the household trash, ensuring no personal information remains on the packaging. Do not flush down the toilet unless explicitly instructed by the label.

These official statements govern the necessary storage conditions and outline the mandatory safe disposal procedures to be followed by the user.

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

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