Generic Danazol

Common use

Danazol is a synthetic steroid produced from ethisterone. This medication suppresses synthesis of

gonadotrophic hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by pituitary gland in men and women. In women this drug inhibits activity of the ovaries, ovulation, leads to atrophy of the endometrium. The medication is used to treat to treat endometriosis (associated with sterility), fibrocystic breast disease, to prevent attacks of inherited angioedema, benign breast tumors (fibro-cystic breast), menorrhagia (abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period), premenstrual syndrome, primary premature puberty, gynecomastia.



Dosage and direction

The common recommended dose in adults is 200-800 mg a day divided in 2-4 intakes. Treatment starts on the first day of the menstrual cycle. To treat severe endometriosis the initial daily dose is 400 mg, later the dose may be increased to 800 mg by your physician. Treatment continues for six months. In children with premature puberty the dose is 100-400 mg.



Precautions

Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine. Use reliable and effective forms of contraception while you are on Danazol such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide gel or inserts as hormonal forms of contraception may turn out non effective. Dose correction is needed in patients with diabetes. Take this drug according to the instructions of your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Women may need to start Danazol during their menstrual period. This medication may change results of some medical tests, inform your doctor if you take this medication. Do not start or stop this medication without approval of your doctor, continue to take it even if you do not notice immediate positive results of treatment. If your symptoms do not improve in two months inform your doctor.



Contraindications

This medication cannot be used in patients with hypersensitivity to Danazol or its components, in pregnant and breastfeeding women, porphyria (activity of liver transaminases increases), liver or kidney failure, chronic heart failure, thromboembolism, androgen producing tumor, vaginal bleeding of unknown origin.



Side effects

The most common side effects include signs of allergy (hives, rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing) and also sudden numbness or weakness, angina, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, sudden problems with vision, speech, or balance, confusion, swelling, feeling short of breath, rapid weight gain, headache, vision problems, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, pain behind the eyes, stomach pain, jaundice.



Drug interaction

Danazol increases effects of anticoagulants of cumarine series and derivatives of indandione such as the risk of bleeding. Danazol decreases effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs by affecting metabolism of carbohydrates, increasing blood sugar levels Danazol inhibits metabolism of carbamazepine and increase its blood levels increases blood concentrations of cyclosporine and tacrolimus hereby increasing risk of nephrotoxicity. Danazol also increases serum levels of glucagon.



Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time of your next dose just skip the missed dose and return to your schedule. Do not double dose this medication to make up the missed dose.



Overdose

This medication is not likely to produce life-threating symptoms. The most common effects of overdose are weight gain, menstrual problems, increased acne or facial hair growth, breast changes.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)