ATC code G03CA03 (WHO) Molar mass 384.56 g/mol | CAS Number 4956-37-0 Route Intramuscular injection | |
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Trade names Anafertin, Deladroxate, Perlutan, Topasel (all in combination with a progestin) Routes of
administration Intramuscular injection Legal status In general: ℞ (Prescription only) Synonyms Estradiol enantate; Estradiol heptanoate; SQ-16150 | ||
Estradiol enanthate (INN, USAN), or estradiol heptanoate, is a synthetic, steroidal estrogen and an estrogen ester – specifically, the 17β-enanthate ester of estradiol – which is used as a component of hormonal contraception. It acts as a prodrug of estradiol, and hence, is considered to be a natural, bioidentical form of estrogen. Estradiol enanthate is used in combination with the progestogen dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide as a once-monthly combined injectable contraceptive in Spain and Latin America under brand names including Anafertin, Deladroxate, Perlutan, and Topasel. This combination has been marketed since the mid-1960s. Estradiol enanthate does not appear to be available as a standalone drug (i.e., by itself).
When estradiol enanthate is administered in oil via intramuscular injection, a depot effect occurs, and the drug has a very long duration of effect. A single 10 mg intramuscular dose of estradiol enanthate has been found to result in significantly elevated levels of estradiol for at least 31 days. The duration of estradiol enanthate is considerably longer than that of various other commonly used estradiol esters like estradiol valerate and estradiol cypionate.