What is Nilutamide used for?

Nilutamide is used to treat metastatic prostate cancer when used along with surgical castration.

How much Nilutamide should I take?

The usual dose is 300 mg once a day for 30 days, then 150 mg once a day.

Can I take Nilutamide with food?

Yes, you can take Nilutamide tablets either with or without food.

What are the lung risks with Nilutamide?

Nilutamide can cause interstitial pneumonitis, which is lung inflammation that can lead to scarring or death.

Who should not take Nilutamide?

Do not use Nilutamide if you have severe liver problems, severe breathing issues, or an allergy to the medicine.

Can Nilutamide affect my vision?

Yes, some patients reported difficulty adapting to dark environments or abnormal vision.

Is Nilutamide safe during pregnancy?

It is unknown if Nilutamide causes fetal harm, so it should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary.

Does Nilutamide interact with blood thinners?

Yes, it may increase the levels of vitamin K antagonists, so your doctor may need to monitor your clotting time closely.

nilutamide | CAS 63612-50-0 | XWXYUMMDTVBTOU

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Anti-cancer (Anti-neoplastic) / Hormone blocker

Nilutamide (brand name Nilandron) is an anti-cancer medication used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. It works by blocking androgen receptors, which prevents hormones from fueling cancer growth. It is meant to be used alongside surgical castration for the best results. This medication carries a serious warning regarding lung inflammation and should be used with caution in people with liver or breathing problems.

How it worksNilutamide blocks the effects of testosterone by attaching to androgen receptors, preventing the hormone from triggering cancer cell growth.

Brand names:NILANDRON

Used for

Metastatic prostate cancer

Conditions

Metastatic prostate cancer

Class

Anti-neoplasticAndrogen Receptor AntagonistAnti-cancer (Anti-neoplastic) / Hormone blockerEndocrine SystemRespiratory SystemDigestive SystemCardiovascular SystemNervous System

How to take

FormsOral tablet

RoutesOral

The standard dose is 300 mg once daily for the first 30 days, followed by 150 mg once daily.

Nilutamide tablets can be taken with or without food.

Key warnings

Nilutamide can cause interstitial pneumonitis, a serious lung inflammation. This has occurred in about 2% of patients in clinical trials, and higher rates have been seen in some studies. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, and fever. It is recommended to have a chest X-ray before starting treatment.

·Nilutamide can cause interstitial pneumonitis, a serious lung inflammation. This has occurred in about 2% of patients in clinical trials, and higher rates have been seen in some studies. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, and fever. It is recommended to have a chest X-ray before starting treatment.
·Risk of lung inflammation (interstitial pneumonitis) which can lead to lung scarring, hospitalization, or death.
·Potential for liver issues; baseline enzyme tests are required.
·Risk of respiratory issues for those with existing breathing problems.

Do not use if

·People with severe liver impairment.
·People with severe breathing/respiratory problems.
·People who are allergic to Nilutamide or any of its ingredients.

Side effects

Common

Hot flushesNauseaConstipationDizzinessVision changes (difficulty adapting to dark)Increased liver enzymes (AST/ALT)Hypertension (high blood pressure)Urinary tract infections

Serious

·Interstitial pneumonitis (lung inflammation)
·Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring)
·Severe liver impairment
·Severe respiratory insufficiency

Seek help if

·Shortness of breath
·Cough
·Chest pain
·Fever

Interactions

·Nilutamide may slow down how the body processes certain other drugs, potentially leading to toxic levels. Specifically, drugs like vitamin K antagonists (blood thinners), phenytoin, and theophylline may need dose adjustments.
·Known interacting drugs include Casodex, MetaNDREN, DelastryI, Aveed, Erleada, Azmiro, Danocrine, Nubeqa, Zytiga, and Winlevi.

FoodNilutamide can be taken with or without food.

Special populations

PregnancyAnimal studies haven't been done, and it's unknown if Nilutamide harms a fetus or affects fertility. It should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of Nilutamide in children have not been determined.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Lung function and breathing
·Liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
·Blood pressure
·Vision changes

Questions to ask

·Should I have a chest X-ray before starting Nilutamide?
·How will this affect my other medications like blood thinners?
·How often should my liver enzymes be checked?
·What should I do if I experience shortness of breath?

Pharmacokinetics

BioavailabilityNilutamide is rapidly and completely absorbed, yielding high and persistent plasma concentrations.

Protein bindingModerate binding to plasma proteins and low binding to erythrocytes.

MetabolismIn vitro, nilutamide inhibits liver cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme activity.

Practical

OverdoseOne case of massive overdose was reported in a 79-year-old man taking 13g; however, no clinical symptoms or changes in lung/liver tests were observed in that specific instance.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

calcium stearatedocusate sodiumlactosepovidonecorn starchtalc

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.