Megestrol caproate: Difference between revisions

Megestrol caproate
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Latest revision as of 11:12, 15 February 2025

A synthetic progestin used in hormone therapy

Megestrol caproate is a synthetic progestin used in hormone therapy. It is a derivative of megestrol, a progesterone analog, and is primarily utilized for its progestogenic effects.

Pharmacology[edit]

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Megestrol caproate functions by binding to the progesterone receptor, mimicking the effects of natural progesterone. This interaction leads to changes in the endometrium and influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, ultimately affecting ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation.

Pharmacokinetics[edit]

The pharmacokinetic profile of megestrol caproate involves its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. It is administered via intramuscular injection, allowing for a slow release and prolonged action. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through the urinary system.

Clinical Uses[edit]

Megestrol caproate is used in various clinical settings, including:

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of megestrol caproate include:

Synthesis[edit]

The synthesis of megestrol caproate involves the chemical modification of megestrol, incorporating a caproate ester group to enhance its pharmacological properties. This modification increases the drug's lipophilicity, allowing for a longer duration of action.

Related Compounds[edit]

Megestrol caproate is related to other progestins such as medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethindrone. These compounds share similar mechanisms of action but differ in their chemical structure and clinical applications.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Megestrol caproate''' is a [[progestin]] medication which is used in the treatment of [[anorexia]], [[cachexia]], [[hot flashes]], and [[breast cancer]]. It is taken by mouth.
+{{Short description|A synthetic progestin used in hormone therapy}}
+{{Drugbox
+| verifiedfields = changed
+| verifiedrevid = 477002123
+| image = Megestrol_caproate.svg
+| image2 = <!-- Another image if available -->
+| width = 200px
+}}
-==Medical uses==
+'''Megestrol caproate''' is a [[synthetic progestin]] used in [[hormone therapy]]. It is a derivative of [[megestrol]], a [[progesterone]] analog, and is primarily utilized for its [[progestogenic]] effects.
-Megestrol caproate is primarily used to treat loss of appetite and [[weight loss]] in people with [[AIDS]] and [[cancer]]. It is also used in the treatment of breast cancer and [[endometrial cancer]].
-==Side effects==
+==Pharmacology==
-Common side effects of megestrol caproate include weight gain, [[edema]], [[thromboembolism]], and [[menstrual irregularities]]. Rare but serious side effects include [[adrenal insufficiency]] and [[Cushing's syndrome]].
+===Mechanism of Action===
+Megestrol caproate functions by binding to the [[progesterone receptor]], mimicking the effects of natural progesterone. This interaction leads to changes in the [[endometrium]] and influences the [[hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis]], ultimately affecting [[ovulation]] and [[menstrual cycle]] regulation.
+===Pharmacokinetics===
+The pharmacokinetic profile of megestrol caproate involves its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. It is administered via [[intramuscular injection]], allowing for a slow release and prolonged action. The drug is metabolized in the [[liver]] and excreted primarily through the [[urinary system]].
-==Pharmacology==
+==Clinical Uses==
-Megestrol caproate is a synthetic [[progestogen]] and acts as an [[agonist]] of the [[progesterone receptor]], the biological target of [[progesterone]]. It has strong anti-[[gonadotropic]] effects and can inhibit [[fertility]] and suppress [[sex hormone]] production.
+Megestrol caproate is used in various clinical settings, including:
+* [[Hormone replacement therapy]]
+* [[Contraception]]
+* Treatment of [[endometriosis]]
+* Management of [[menstrual disorders]]
+==Side Effects==
+Common side effects of megestrol caproate include:
+* [[Weight gain]]
+* [[Fluid retention]]
+* [[Mood changes]]
+* [[Nausea]]
-==History==
+==Synthesis==
-Megestrol caproate was first described in 1959 and was introduced for medical use in 1963. It was the first progestin to be used in cancer treatment and was also the first to be used as an appetite stimulant.
+The synthesis of megestrol caproate involves the chemical modification of megestrol, incorporating a caproate ester group to enhance its pharmacological properties. This modification increases the drug's [[lipophilicity]], allowing for a longer duration of action.
-==Society and culture==
+==Related Compounds==
-Megestrol caproate is marketed under a variety of brand names including [[Megace]] and [[Ovaban]] and is available as a generic medication.
+Megestrol caproate is related to other progestins such as [[medroxyprogesterone acetate]] and [[norethindrone]]. These compounds share similar mechanisms of action but differ in their chemical structure and clinical applications.
-==See also==
+==Related pages==
-* [[List of progestogens]]
+* [[Progestin]]
-* [[List of hormonal cytostatic antineoplastic agents]]
+* [[Hormone therapy]]
-* [[List of appetite stimulants]]
+* [[Progesterone]]
+* [[Endometriosis]]
 [[Category:Progestogens]]
-[[Category:Antineoplastic drugs]]
+[[Category:Synthetic hormones]]
-[[Category:Appetite stimulants]]
+[[Category:Contraception]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}