Clinical Overview
Tamoxifen Citrate Tablets (10mg, 20mg) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. In breast tissue, it competitively antagonizes estrogen binding to estrogen receptors (ER), halting ER-mediated transcription and arresting breast tumor cells in the G0/G1 phase. In bone and cardiovascular tissues, it acts as an estrogen agonist (preserving bone density and lipid profiles), but in the endometrium, its partial agonism stimulates endometrial proliferation. Indicated for adjuvant and metastatic treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and breast cancer chemoprevention in high-risk women.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally 20 mg once daily (or 10 mg twice daily) with water, with or without food. Treatment is typically taken continuously for 5 to 10 years for adjuvant breast cancer therapy.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Hot flushes, vaginal discharge, irregular menses, fluid retention, nausea, mood swings. Rare/Severe: Endometrial hyperplasia / endometrial adenocarcinoma, uterine sarcoma, venous thromboembolism (DVT, pulmonary embolism), and stroke.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black Box Warning: Increased risk of uterine malignancies (endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma); promptly evaluate any abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain in postmenopausal women. Black Box Warning: Venous thromboembolism. Bioactivation requires CYP2D6 to endoxifen; avoid strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion).
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, oncological diagnosis, or chemotherapy protocol guidance. Cancer therapies require specialized administration under the direct supervision of a registered medical oncologist in an accredited healthcare facility.