U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Divider Arrow National Institutes of Health Divider Arrow NCATS

Details

Stereochemistry ABSOLUTE
Molecular Formula C24H32O4
Molecular Weight 384.5085
Optical Activity UNSPECIFIED
Defined Stereocenters 6 / 6
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of MEGESTROL ACETATE

SMILES

[H][C@@]12CC[C@](OC(C)=O)(C(C)=O)[C@@]1(C)CC[C@@]3([H])[C@@]2([H])C=C(C)C4=CC(=O)CC[C@]34C

InChI

InChIKey=RQZAXGRLVPAYTJ-GQFGMJRRSA-N
InChI=1S/C24H32O4/c1-14-12-18-19(22(4)9-6-17(27)13-21(14)22)7-10-23(5)20(18)8-11-24(23,15(2)25)28-16(3)26/h12-13,18-20H,6-11H2,1-5H3/t18-,19+,20+,22-,23+,24+/m1/s1

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Molecular Formula C24H32O4
Molecular Weight 384.5085
Charge 0
Count
Stereochemistry ABSOLUTE
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 6 / 6
E/Z Centers 0
Optical Activity UNSPECIFIED

Description
Curator's Comment: description was created based on several sources, including https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=23395103

Megestrol acetate is a progestational hormone used most commonly as the acetate ester. As the acetate, it is more potent than progesterone both as a progestagen and as an ovulation inhibitor. It has also been used in the palliative treatment of breast cancer. MEGACE Oral Suspension is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). 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. The major route of drug elimination in humans is urine. When radiolabeled megestrol acetate was administered to humans in doses of 4 to 90 mg, the urinary excretion within 10 days ranged from 56.5% to 78.4% (mean 66.4%) and fecal excretion ranged from 7.7% to 30.3% (mean 19.8%). The total recovered radioactivity varied between 83.1% and 94.7% (mean 86.2%). Megestrol acetate metabolites which were identified in urine constituted 5% to 8% of the dose administered. Respiratory excretion as labeled carbon dioxide and fat storage may have accounted for at least part of the radioactivity not found in urine and feces. Plasma steady-state pharmacokinetics of megestrol acetate were evaluated in 10 adult, cachectic male patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and an involuntary weight loss greater than 10% of baseline. Patients received single oral doses of 800 mg/day of MEGACE Oral Suspension for 21 days. Plasma concentration data obtained on day 21 were evaluated for up to 48 hours past the last dose.

Approval Year

Targets

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency
Conditions

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Palliative
MEGACE

Approved Use

Megestrol acetate oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Launch Date

1993
Palliative
MEGACE

Approved Use

Megestrol acetate oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Launch Date

1993
Cmax

Cmax

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
753 ng/mL
800 mg 1 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
490 ng/mL
750 mg 1 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 750 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
1133 ng/mL
625 mg single, oral
dose: 625 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
1618 ng/mL
625 mg single, oral
dose: 625 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FED
1364 ng/mL
800 mg single, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FED
187 ng/mL
800 mg single, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
AUC

AUC

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
10476 ng × h/mL
800 mg 1 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
6779 ng × h/mL
750 mg 1 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 750 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
12095 ng × h/mL
625 mg single, oral
dose: 625 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
16268 ng × h/mL
625 mg single, oral
dose: 625 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FED
18625 ng × h/mL
800 mg single, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FED
8942 ng × h/mL
800 mg single, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
T1/2

T1/2

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
33.68 h
625 mg single, oral
dose: 625 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
39.75 h
625 mg single, oral
dose: 625 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FED
32.84 h
800 mg single, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FED
31.38 h
800 mg single, oral
dose: 800 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
MEGESTROL ACETATE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: MALE
food status: FASTED
Doses

Doses

DosePopulationAdverse events​
400 mg 2 times / day multiple, oral
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 54-68 years
n = 2
Health Status: unhealthy
Age Group: 54-68 years
Sex: F
Population Size: 2
Sources:
Disc. AE: Osteoporosis...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Osteoporosis (2 patients)
Sources:
625 mg 1 times / day multiple, oral
Recommended
Dose: 625 mg, 1 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 625 mg, 1 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 65 years
n = 1
Health Status: unhealthy
Age Group: 65 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Disc. AE: Adrenal insufficiency...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Adrenal insufficiency (1 patient)
Sources:
40 mg 2 times / day multiple, oral
Dose: 40 mg, 2 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 40 mg, 2 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 85 years
n = 1
Health Status: unhealthy
Condition: Alzheimer's disease
Age Group: 85 years
Sex: F
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Disc. AE: Deep vein thrombosis...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Deep vein thrombosis (1 patient)
Sources:
400 mg 2 times / day multiple, oral
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 86 years
n = 1
Health Status: unhealthy
Condition: Alzheimer's disease
Age Group: 86 years
Sex: F
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Disc. AE: Deep vein thrombosis...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Deep vein thrombosis (1 patient)
Sources:
1600 mg 1 times / day multiple, oral
Highest studied dose
Dose: 1600 mg, 1 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 1600 mg, 1 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy
Health Status: unhealthy
Condition: advanced breast cancer
Sex: F
Sources:
AEs

AEs

AESignificanceDosePopulation
Osteoporosis 2 patients
Disc. AE
400 mg 2 times / day multiple, oral
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 54-68 years
n = 2
Health Status: unhealthy
Age Group: 54-68 years
Sex: F
Population Size: 2
Sources:
Adrenal insufficiency 1 patient
Disc. AE
625 mg 1 times / day multiple, oral
Recommended
Dose: 625 mg, 1 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 625 mg, 1 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 65 years
n = 1
Health Status: unhealthy
Age Group: 65 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Deep vein thrombosis 1 patient
Disc. AE
40 mg 2 times / day multiple, oral
Dose: 40 mg, 2 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 40 mg, 2 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 85 years
n = 1
Health Status: unhealthy
Condition: Alzheimer's disease
Age Group: 85 years
Sex: F
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Deep vein thrombosis 1 patient
Disc. AE
400 mg 2 times / day multiple, oral
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 400 mg, 2 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 86 years
n = 1
Health Status: unhealthy
Condition: Alzheimer's disease
Age Group: 86 years
Sex: F
Population Size: 1
Sources:
OverviewDrug as perpetrator​

Drug as perpetrator​

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
mild [Inhibition 50 uM]
mild [Inhibition 50 uM]
moderate [Inhibition 50 uM]
moderate [Inhibition 50 uM]
no
no
no
yes [Activation 50 uM]
yes [Activation 50 uM]
yes [Inhibition 50 uM]
Drug as victim
PubMed

PubMed

TitleDatePubMed
Systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
2001
Contemporary drug therapy in palliative care: new directions.
2001
A comparison of megestrol acetate, nandrolone decanoate and dietary counselling for HIV associated weight loss.
2001 Aug
Estrogen as therapy for breast cancer.
2002
Variant estrogen receptors and their role in liver disease.
2002 Jul 31
Intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone versus oral megestrol for the control of postmenopausal hot flashes in breast cancer patients: a randomized study.
2002 Jun
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of vinblastine and high-dose megestrol acetate.
2002 Sep
Acute effects of megestrol on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
2003 Dec
[Antigonadotropic effects of a 19-nor-progesterone derivative: the example of nomegestrol acetate].
2003 Jan
Megestrol complications.
2003 Jan
Bone turnover markers and insulin-like growth factor components in metastatic breast cancer: results from a randomised trial of exemestane vs megestrol acetate.
2003 Jul-Aug
[Effects of a 19-norprogesterone derivative, the fourth decade nomegestrol acetate, on lipids].
2003 Jun
The role of MRI in the conservative management of endometrial cancer.
2004 Apr
A comparison of the central effects of different progestins used in hormone replacement therapy.
2004 Aug 20
[Nome gesrol (lutenyl) induced severe acute hepatitis].
2004 Jan
Serum leptin levels and body composition in postmenopausal women: effects of hormone therapy.
2004 Jul-Aug
Effects of the combined treatment with thalidomide, megestrol and interleukine-2 in cirrhotic patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. A pilot study.
2005 Apr
Treatment with inhibitors of angiogenesis in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a new tool in our hands or simply a hope?
2005 Apr
Effect of nomegestrol acetate on estrogen biosynthesis and transformation in MCF-7 and T47-D breast cancer cells.
2005 Jan
Hormonal treatment of a recurrent granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: case report and review of the literature.
2005 Mar
Hepatocellular carcinoma--Pathological complete response to oral capecitabine, megestrol and thalidomide.
2006
Durable response of metastatic endometrial carcinoma to treatment with fulvestrant (Faslodex) after prior progestin and anastrozole therapy.
2006 Feb
Characterization of related impurities in megestrol acetate.
2006 Jun 16
Second- and third-generation aromatase inhibitors as first-line endocrine therapy in postmenopausal metastatic breast cancer patients: a pooled analysis of the randomised trials.
2006 Jun 19
Patents

Patents

Sample Use Guides

Oral Suspension is 800 mg/day (20 mL/day). In clinical trials evaluating different dose schedules, daily doses of 400 and 800 mg/day.
Route of Administration: Oral
Megestrol acetate was shown to inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells in vitro in dose- and time-dependent manners with an IC (50) of 260 uM (24-h incubation)
Substance Class Chemical
Created
by admin
on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
Edited
by admin
on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
Record UNII
TJ2M0FR8ES
Record Status Validated (UNII)
Record Version
  • Download
Name Type Language
MEGESTROL ACETATE
EP   GREEN BOOK   MART.   MI   ORANGE BOOK   USAN   USP   USP-RS   VANDF   WHO-DD   WHO-IP  
USAN  
Official Name English
BDH-1298
Code English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [USAN]
Common Name English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [MART.]
Common Name English
PREGNA-4,6-DIENE-3,20-DIONE, 17-(ACETYLOXY)-6-METHYL-
Systematic Name English
SC-10363
Code English
Megestrol acetate [WHO-DD]
Common Name English
MEGESTROL 17.ALPHA.-ACETATE
Common Name English
5071
Code English
17-Hydroxy-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione acetate
Common Name English
MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE IMPURITY G [WHO-IP]
Common Name English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [GREEN BOOK]
Common Name English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [VANDF]
Common Name English
NSC-71423
Code English
SC 10363
Code English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [WHO-IP]
Common Name English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [USP-RS]
Common Name English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [MI]
Common Name English
MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE IMPURITY G [EP IMPURITY]
Common Name English
6-METHYL-3,20-DIOXOPREGNA-4,6-DIEN-17-YL ACETATE [WHO-IP]
Common Name English
BDH 1298
Code English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [ORANGE BOOK]
Common Name English
MEGESTEROL ACETATE
Common Name English
MEGACE
Brand Name English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [EP MONOGRAPH]
Common Name English
MEGESTROL ACETATE [USP MONOGRAPH]
Common Name English
Classification Tree Code System Code
EU-Orphan Drug EU/3/17/1858
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
NCI_THESAURUS C776
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
FDA ORPHAN DRUG 26187
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
Code System Code Type Description
CAS
595-33-5
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
SMS_ID
100000090117
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
CHEBI
6723
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
EVMPD
SUB03117MIG
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
FDA UNII
TJ2M0FR8ES
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
RS_ITEM_NUM
1379106
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
ChEMBL
CHEMBL1201139
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
DRUG CENTRAL
1667
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
ECHA (EC/EINECS)
209-864-5
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
RXCUI
29451
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY RxNorm
EPA CompTox
DTXSID9040683
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
DRUG BANK
DB00351
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
WIKIPEDIA
Megestrol acetate
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
PUBCHEM
11683
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
NSC
71423
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
MERCK INDEX
m7146
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY Merck Index
MESH
D019290
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
DAILYMED
TJ2M0FR8ES
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
NCI_THESAURUS
C1156
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:08:27 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
Related Record Type Details
BASIS OF STRENGTH->SUBSTANCE
ASSAY (HPLC)
USP
BASIS OF STRENGTH->SUBSTANCE
ASSAY (HPLC)
EP
Related Record Type Details
IMPURITY -> PARENT
For the calculation of contents, multiply the peak areas by 0.6
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
UNSPECIFIED
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
PARENT -> IMPURITY
The following peaks are eluted at the following relative retention with reference to the peak of medroxyprogesterone acetate (retention time about 27 minutes): impurity G about 0.85. In the chromatogram obtained with solution (1):the area of any peak corresponding to impurity G, when multiplied by a correction factor of 2.6, is not greater than 2 times of the area of the principal peak obtained with solution (3) (0.2%). The test is not valid unless in the chromatogram obtained with solution (4) the resolution factor between the peaks due to impurity G and due to medroxyprogesterone acetate is at least 3.3.
IMPURITY -> PARENT
For the calculation of contents, multiply the peak areas by 0.4
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
For the calculation of contents, multiply the peak areas by 0.2
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
For the calculation of contents, multiply the peak areas by 0.5
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
at 210 nm
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
IMPURITY -> PARENT
For the calculation of contents, multiply the peak areas by 0.4
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PURITY (HPLC/UV)
EP
Related Record Type Details
ACTIVE MOIETY