Estradiol Benzoate
General Drug Information and Indications
Estrogen hormone for uterine receptivity, estrus synchronization, hormone-responsive urinary incontinence, and reproductive therapies.
Endogenous estrogen hormone (estradiol 17-beta, benzoate, or cypionate ester). Mechanism: binds intracellular estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) → receptor-ligand complex acts as transcription factor → regulates gene expression in reproductive tissues, CNS, bone, liver. Stimulates uterine development and endometrial receptivity; positive feedback on LH release at mid-cycle.
Key information
Reproductive hormone. Wear gloves — dermal absorption. Refrigerate injectable forms. Store away from children. Do not use in pregnant animals unless specifically indicated. Women of childbearing age should avoid contact.
How to Give this Medication
Injectable (oil-based): administer IM. Warm vial in hands or warm water before drawing up — oil-based solutions inject more easily when warmed. IM injection into large muscle. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
This product is given as a single dose or as part of a defined protocol. Contact your veterinarian if a scheduled administration was missed. Contact your veterinarian.
Side Effects
PU/PD (in spayed dogs). Myelosuppression: bone marrow suppression with high doses (aplastic anemia, pancytopenia — especially estradiol cypionate in dogs; potentially fatal). Pyometra (intact bitches). Behavioral: nymphomania, attractiveness to males. Horses: behavioral changes, mammary development.
Precautions
For animals
Dogs: estradiol cypionate — serious risk of aplastic anemia/pancytopenia at doses used for mismate; avoid where possible. Monitor CBC periodically with prolonged use. Intact females: risk of pyometra and endometrial hyperplasia. Not approved for use in food-producing animals.
For people handling this medication
Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Estrogen — wear gloves when handling. Prolonged skin contact may cause hormonal effects. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. (Estrogens are teratogenic/embryotoxic). Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian. Estrogen overdose causes bone marrow suppression (aplastic anemia), excessive uterine stimulation, and pyometra risk.
Estradiol Benzoate dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESTRADIOL BENZOATE 10 MG/ML INJECTABLE - 50 ML | 10 MG/ML | Injectable | 50 ML | Compound |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Systemic Pharmacotherapeutics of the Reproductive System (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-reproductive-system/overview-of-systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-reproductive-system-in-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)