Anastrozole (Arimidex)
an-AS-troh-zole
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved for breast cancer. Off-label use in some hormonal contexts is widespread.
Standard Dose
Every other day or daily
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Oral
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Anastrozole helps lower estrogen by blocking aromatase. When estrogen is reduced, some people may experience fewer estrogen-related side effects, but overly low estrogen can also cause problems. Use should be clinician-guided when applicable.
Plain-language summary
Anastrozole helps lower estrogen by blocking aromatase. When estrogen is reduced, some people may experience fewer estrogen-related side effects, but overly low estrogen can also cause problems. Use should be clinician-guided when applicable.
Administration Routes
- Oral
Also known as
Mechanisms
Competitively inhibits aromatase (CYP19A1), reducing conversion of androgens to estrogens. Non-steroidal and does not directly bind hormone receptors as an estrogen.
Detailed mechanism
Competitively inhibits aromatase (CYP19A1), blocking conversion of androgens to estrogens. Modulates enzyme activity to reduce estrogen production at the molecular level.
Safety
Side effects
- Joint pain or stiffness (possible with low estrogen)
- Bone density concerns with longer-term use
- Fatigue or mood changes in some users
- Libido changes when estrogen is suppressed
- Hot flashes (possible)
- Cardiometabolic risks may vary with individual factors
Reported benefits
- Reduces estradiol levels
- May reduce estrogen-related symptoms
- Helps manage aromatization when clinically indicated
- Extensive historical clinical use in oncology
Safety profile
Well-characterized safety profile from clinical use. Hormone suppression needs individualized monitoring, and bone-health considerations may apply.
Clinical trials
Completed clinical trials leading to FDA approval.
Structure
Verified structure
Anastrozole (Arimidex)
Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.
- Chemical Formula
- C17H19N5
- Molecular Weight
- 293.37 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 120511-73-1
- InChIKey
- YBBLVLTVTVSKRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
Anastrozole alone or in combination with tamoxifen versus tamoxifen alone for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early breast cancer: first ATAC trial results (Lancet)
2002
- 2View source
Effect of anastrozole and tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer: 10-year analysis of the ATAC trial (Lancet Oncol)
2010
- 3View source
Anastrozole versus tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer: meta-analysis of combined data from two RCTs (Eur J Cancer)
2013
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.