Danazole in the treatment of hereditary angioedema.

Danazol is an effective agent for the prophylaxis of the recurrent attacks of mucocutaneous and visceral swelling which occur in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE). Danazol apparently increases the synthesis of the inhibitor of the first component of complement which is partially deficient in these heterozygous individuals. The efficacy of danazol in this condition appears to be limited only by the occurrence of adverse effects.