Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin medication used to prevent and treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, induce labor, cause an abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus.Mifepristone is a medication primarily used in combination with misoprostol to end an early pregnancy. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a pregnancy. Mifepristone is also used to control high blood sugar in certain cases of Cushing's syndrome. Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Medical Abortion:Mifepristone, often called RU-486, is a key component in the standard medical abortion regimen. When used with misoprostol, it effectively terminates an early pregnancy (up to 10 weeks gestation).
- Mechanism of Action:Mifepristone acts as an antiprogestational steroid, meaning it blocks the effects of progesterone. Progesterone is crucial for maintaining the lining of the uterus and supporting a pregnancy. By blocking progesterone, mifepristone prevents the uterus from supporting the pregnancy, leading to its expulsion.
- Cushing's Syndrome:Mifepristone is also approved to treat hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in patients with Cushing's syndrome who have type 2 diabetes and have either failed surgery or cannot undergo surgery.
- Safety and Use:Mifepristone is available only with a doctor's prescription and under a restricted distribution program, according to the Mayo Clinic. The medication is generally considered safe, but side effects like abdominal pain, bleeding, and cramping can occur.
- Misoprostol:Misoprostol is a prostaglandin that is taken after mifepristone to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
In summary, mifepristone is a medication with two primary uses: inducing medical abortion in early pregnancy and controlling blood sugar in specific cases of Cushing's syndrome. Its effectiveness in pregnancy termination is high, especially when combined with misoprostol.
- Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical ... - FDA11 Feb 2025 — Mifepristone is a drug that blocks a hormone called progesterone that is needed for a pregnancy to continue. Mifepristo...FDA
- Mifepristone - WikipediaSide effects Nearly all women using the mifepristone/misoprostol regimen experienced abdominal pain, uterine cramping, and vaginal...Wikipedia
- Mifepristone - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfMifepristone, also called RU-486, is a synthetic steroid with dual FDA-approved applications. Firstly, it is utilized in combinati...NCBI
- Show all