Megestrol

Dosage Forms Available

• Megestrol comes in oral dosage forms, mainly as tablets and oral suspensions.

Age And Dose Restrictions

• Megestrol is mainly prescribed to adults.

• Its use in children has not been established, so it is generally not recommended for paediatric use.

Contraindications

• Megestrol should not be taken by individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to megestrol or any of its components.

Other Medications To Avoid With This Medicine

• Megestrol may interact with HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir) and appetite stimulants (like neuropeptide Y).

Overdose And Missed Dose

• Overdosing on Megestrol can potentially cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, cough, unsteady gait, and listlessness. In case of a suspected overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is close to the time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular schedule should be continued. Doubling the dose to make up for the missed one should be avoided.

Management Of Side Effects

Taking the medication with food may help manage gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhoea.

• Drinking plenty of fluids can help with symptoms of dry mouth.

• Regular rest and relaxation techniques may help manage insomnia.

Use In Driving And Operating Machinery

• Megestrol may cause side effects such as dizziness or confusion, which could affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. It is recommended to avoid these activities if such effects are experienced.

Use In Pregnancy And Lactation

• Megestrol is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential harm to the foetus.

• The use of this medicine during breastfeeding should also be avoided unless deemed necessary by a doctor.

Caution In Other Conditions

• Caution is advised when using Megestrol in patients with a history of blood clots or thromboembolic disease.

• Patients with pre-existing diabetes should also exercise caution due to the risk of high blood sugar from using this medicine.

Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation

• Regular, balanced meals can help improve general health and well-being, especially in individuals with cachexia (wasting syndrome).

• Physical activity can promote overall health, stimulate appetite, and help manage weight.

• Adequate hydration is essential when managing conditions like cancer or AIDS.