Megestrol
- Atc Codes:G03AC05#G03DB02#L02AB01
- CAS Codes:595-33-5#3562-63-8
- PHARMGKB ID:595-33-5#3562-63-8
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Genes that may be involved
- Inhibits
- Drug Interactions
- Nutrition/Nutraceutical Interactions
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
Europe
Belgium: Megace; Bulgaria: Megace; Czech Republic: Megace, Megaplex; Denmark: Megace; Finland: Megace; France: Megace; Germany: Megestat; Greece: Megace; Hungary: Megace, Megesin, Megyrina; Ireland: Megace; Italy: Gestroltex, Megace, Megestil, Megestrolo; Latvia: Megaplex; Lithuania: Megace; Luxembourg: Megace; Netherlands: Megace, Megestrolacetaat; Poland: Cachexan, Gestar, Gestrol, Megace, Megalia, Megesin; Portugal: Acestrol, Megace, Megestrol; Romania: Lutenyl, Megesin; Slovakia: Megace, Megaplex, Megesin; Slovenia: Megace; Spain: Borea, Maygace, Megefren; Sweden: Megace; UK: Megace.
North America
Canada: Megace, Megestrol; USA: Megace, Megestrol.
Latin America
Argentina: Megestrol, Varigestrol; Brazil: Femigestrol, Gynodal, Megestat; Mexico: Megace, Mestrel.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Megestrol Acetate: C~24~H~32~O~4~. Mw: 384.51. (1) Pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione, 17-(acetyloxy)-6-methyl-; (2) 17-Hydroxy-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione acetate. CAS-595-33-5; CAS-3562-63-8 (megestrol)(1963).
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agents; Endocrine Therapy; Hormone. Hormones and Synthetic Substitutes; Progestins. Appetite Stimulant. Progestin. (ATC-Code: G03AC05; G03DB02; L02AB01).
Mechanism of action
Megestrol is an antineoplastic progestin thought to act through antileutenizing effect mediated via pituitary. May stimulate appetite by antagonizing metabolic effects of catabolic cytokines.
Therapeutic use
Palliative treatment of breast and endometrial carcinoma. Treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained significant weight loss in AIDS.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Adverse effects demonstrated in animal studies. Use during pregnancy contraindicated (suspension). HIV-infected mothers are discouraged from breast-feeding to decrease potential transmission of HIV.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to megestrol or any component of the formulation. Pregnancy (suspension).
Warnings and precautions
Hazardous agent. Might suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during chronic administration. New-onset diabetes mellitus and exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes reported with long-term use. Use with caution in history of thromboembolic disease. Vaginal bleeding or discharge might occur.