Megestrol acetate is a progestin that is administered orally to treat anorexia and cachexia or serious unexplained weight loss and is also used as an antineoplastic agent to treat certain types of malignancy. 17-Hydroxy-6-methylpregna-3,6-diene-3,20-dione.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The precise mechanism by which megestrol acetate produces effects in anorexia and cachexia is unknown at the present time, but its progestin antitumour activity may involve suppression of luteinizing hormone by inhibition of pituitary function. Studies also suggest that the megestrol's weight gain effect is related to its appetite-stimulant or metabolic effects rather than its glucocorticoid-like effects or the production of edema. It has also been suggested that megestrol may alter metabolic pathyways via interferences with the production or action of mediators such as cachectin, a hormone that inhibits adipocyte lipogenic enzymes.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).Curator reviewed · 10 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C24H32O4 · 384.516 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1995 · United States, 1988
- Also known as
- 17-Hydroxy-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione acetate · 17.alpha.-Acetoxy-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione · 6-Dehydro-6-methyl-17.alpha.-acetoxyprogesterone · 6-Methyl-6-dehydro-17.alpha.-acetoxyprogesterone
- Code names
- BDH-1298 · NSC-71423 · SC-10363
- Brand names
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Megestrol acetate, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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