Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a progestin used as a contraceptive and in the treatment of secondary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, pain from endometriosis, endometrial and renal carcinomas, paraphilia in males, and GnRH-dependent precocious puberty. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a progesterone derivative that is more resistant to metabolism for improved pharmacokinetic properties.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 5 references
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) inhibits the production of gonadotropin, preventing follicular maturation and ovulation, which is responsible for it’s ability to prevent pregnancy. This action also thins the endometrium. MPA reduces nuclear estrogen receptors and DNA synthesis in epithelial cells of the endometrium. MPA can also induce p53 dependant apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines, and inhibit GABA-A receptors.
- Primary indication
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) oral tablets are indicated to treat secondary amenorrhea, reduce the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women, and to treat abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, not organic pathology.Curator reviewed · 15 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C24H34O4 · 386.5244 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1996 · United States, 1959
- Also known as
- Medroxyacetate progesterone · Methylacetoxyprogesterone · Metigestrona
- Code names
- NSC-21171 · NSC-26386
- Brand names
Resolves to
PSGAAPLEWMOORI-PEINSRQWSA-NSMILES[H][C@@]12CC[C@](OC(C)=O)(C(C)=O)[C@@]1(C)CC[C@@]1([H])[C@@]2([H])C[C@H](C)C2=CC(=O)CC[C@]12CWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Medroxyprogesterone acetate, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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