What are the generic and brand names of oral micronized progesterone formulations?

Oral Micronized Progesterone Formulations

The generic name is micronized progesterone, available in oral capsule formulations of 100 mg and 200 mg, with brand names including Prometrium (most common in the US) and various generic equivalents. 1

Generic Name and Formulations

• Generic name: Micronized progesterone 1, 2
• Available oral doses: 100 mg and 200 mg capsules 1
• Physical appearance:
  • 100 mg capsules are round, peach-colored with black imprint "P1" 1
  • 200 mg capsules are oval, pale yellow-colored with black imprint "P2" 1

Brand Names

• Prometrium is the primary brand name for oral micronized progesterone in the United States 1
• Multiple generic equivalents are available from various manufacturers, including Dr. Reddy's Laboratories 1

Key Formulation Details

• Active ingredient: Micronized progesterone (natural progesterone identical to corpus luteum production) 2, 3
• Critical inactive ingredient: Peanut oil is used as an excipient in the capsule formulation 1, 4
• Contraindication: Individuals with severe peanut allergies (anaphylaxis) should NOT receive micronized progesterone capsules 4
• Alternative for peanut allergy: Vaginal gel formulations do not contain peanut oil and can be used in patients with peanut allergies 4

Clinical Dosing Ranges

• Hormone replacement therapy: 100-200 mg daily for 12-14 days per month (sequential regimen) or 100 mg daily for 25 days per month (continuous regimen) 4, 2
• Endometrial protection: 200 mg daily for 10-14 days per month when used with estrogen therapy 2, 3
• Administration timing: Should be taken as a single daily dose at bedtime due to potential drowsiness and dizziness 1

Advantages Over Synthetic Progestins

• Metabolic profile: Micronized progesterone minimizes or eliminates the metabolic and vascular side effects associated with synthetic progestins like medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone 2, 3
• Cardiovascular effects: Does not suppress the vasodilating effects of estrogens, unlike synthetic progestins 2
• Lipid profile: No adverse effects on lipid profile, coagulation factors, or blood pressure 3
• Anti-mineralocorticoid activity: Exhibits natural anti-mineralocorticoid effects without androgenic activity 3