Is there a difference between tamoxifen and tamoxifen citrate?
If you’re somebody who has been advised to take tamoxifen or tamoxifen citrate, you might be wondering if there is a difference between the two. After all, they sound almost identical.
Let’s dive into some details to understand what sets them apart.
What is Tamoxifen and How Does it Work?
Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen medication that is primarily used to treat breast cancer in women and men. It functions by blocking estrogen activity in breast tissue, which prohibits the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.
In simpler terms, estrogen stimulates breast cell growth – sometimes aiding tumor development in certain cases. Hence its inhibition through antihormone therapy such as tamoxifen helps slow/stop tumor progression (and help fight off those pesky cancers).
Similarities Between Tamoxifen and Tamoxifene Citrate
Before we move onto their differences let’s look at their similarities:
- Both are SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)
- Used for treating Hormone-Receptor positive Breast Cancer
So far so good; pretty comparable things really
But wait…there’s more!
Let Us Get To Know Tamofixen A Little Better
Tamofixen needed to undergo clinical trials before being approved for use since it was similar structurally to diethylstilbestrol (DES), another synthetic compound with an estrogen-like effect previously linked with definite carcinogenicity.
It was also found that pre-existing clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis(Blood clots) had risk factors amplified by this drug too…ya know just something else worrying :).
However today most health organizations from around the world maintain that benefits outweigh risks other than people allergic/have hypersensitivity reactions
Cool isn’t it? Not ideal but tinkered enough to do the trick
Tamoxifen Citrate: How it Works
Tamoxifen citrate is the same as tamoxifen. The only difference lies in its molecular structure. A citric acid molecule has been added to tamoxifen, forming tamoxifen citrate.
However weird this may sound, chemically-speaking adding a citric molecule somehow improves absorption and bioavailability of oral medication (drugs that you swallow).
This means that tamoxifen tablets dissolve better in your body thanks tothe power of oranges! So becoming more effective.
Great…That all sounds really scientific, but let’s break it down into something simpler (which would make even Sheldon Cooper proud!)
What Makes Citrate Important?
Citrate plays an essential role with regards to drugs made for oral consumption because it provides acidic pH values.
Because most medications are alkaline (having higher levels of PH), combining them with a salt which helps maintain/achieve ideal levels inside our guts without affecting effectiveness or potency.
Or in short..More drug gets actually absorbed by your intestines when they’re neutral or slightly acidic!
Wow! Science can be kind!
Side Effects
Side effects vary from person-to-person as well; evidence suggests few people react negatively towards both agents.Tamofixen patients however could expect frequent bleeding,vaginal discharge hot flashes etc.
Decreased visual clarity being a side effect causing concern among women ,requires prompt consultation concerning eye healthcare specialist too!.Furthermore,Tamxifexin should not be taken during Pregnacy/Lactation.
Asides from those above,tamofixen-citrate shares similar client experienced symptoms like :
- Increased Risk Blood Clots(DVT)
- Bone Pain/Muscle Weakness
- Leg cramps
just reminders to contact your doctor if felt.
Oh well….life’s never perfect; especially since we learnt thats excessive use could lead to Ocular Problems as well..
Conclusion
There is technically no difference between tamoxifen and tamoxifen citrate. The latter contains an added molecule, which allows your body to absorb the medication slightly better when taken orally.
Both agents can come with their fair share of side effects.So people tend towards Citrate since its more refined for consumption..
But in either case, they are SERMs that are widely used in treating breast cancer and producing favorable outcomes.
So at least one thing was approved upon; a great boon for humanity even!