Mifepristone (mifepristone)

Abortifacients Oral Tablet

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Mifepristone, a synthetic derivative of the progestin norethindrone, is a progesterone- and glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist.

Mifepristone, a synthetic derivative of the progestin norethindrone, is a progesterone- and glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist. Mifepristone is a selective antagonist of the progesterone receptor at lower dosages and exhibits antiglucocorticoid activity at higher dosages. At higher dosages, mifepristone acts as a glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist but exhibits little affinity for the mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) receptor.

At dosages of 1 mg/kg or higher, mifepristone antagonizes the endometrial and myometrial effects of progesterone in women; dosages of 4.5 mg/kg or higher cause compensatory elevation of corticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol in humans. The drug also has been shown to have weak antiandrogenic activity. Mifepristone exhibits little to no affinity for estrogen, muscarinic, histamine, or monoamine receptors.

Mifepristone binds to the progesterone receptor with greater affinity than progesterone, competitively antagonizing the endometrial and myometrial effects of progesterone and resulting in down-regulation of progesterone-dependent genes. Since the continuance of a viable pregnancy depends on progesterone, detachment of the products of conception and termination of pregnancy result. In addition, mifepristone promotes uterine contractions and softening of the cervix and sensitizes the myometrium to effects of prostaglandins (e.g., misoprostol) that stimulate uterine contractions and expulsion of the products of conception.

In the absence of progesterone, mifepristone acts as a partial progestin agonist.

Mifepristone (Mifeprex(R)) is rapidly absorbed following oral administration and reaches peak plasma concentrations approximately 45 and 90 minutes following single 200- and 600-mg doses, respectively. Time to peak plasma concentration occurs 1-2 and 1-4 hours following single and multiple 600-mg oral doses of mifepristone (Korlym(R)), respectively; peak plasma concentrations of the active metabolites occur 2-8 hours following multiple 600-mg oral doses. Administration with food substantially increases plasma concentrations of mifepristone.

The absolute oral bioavailability of a single 20-mg dose of mifepristone in women of childbearing age is 69%. Mifepristone is 98-99% bound to plasma proteins (mainly albumin and alpha1-acid glycoprotein); binding of the drug and its active metabolites is concentration dependent. Mifepristone and its metabolites are distributed into milk and other tissues, including the CNS.

Mifepristone is extensively metabolized, principally via the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 isoenzyme into 3 known active metabolites. The drug and its metabolites are excreted mainly in feces (83-90%) with smaller amounts excreted in urine (9%). The initial half-life of the drug is 12-72 hours; the terminal elimination half-life is 18 hours.

The half-life following multiple doses of 600 mg daily is 85 hours.

USES: Mifepristone (also known as RU 486) is used to end a pregnancy during the early part of a pregnancy. It is used up to week 10 of pregnancy (up to 70 days after the first day of your last menstrual period). Mifepristone blocks a natural substance (progesterone) that is needed for your pregnancy to continue.

It is usually used together with another medicine called misoprostol. Mifepristone must not be used if you have a rare abnormal pregnancy that is outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy). It will not end the pregnancy in this case.

It may cause an ectopic pregnancy to rupture, resulting in very serious bleeding.

Generic name: mifepristone
Pronunciation: (MIF-e-PRIS-tone)
Drug class: Abortifacients
Therapeutic class: Endocrine

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Mifepristone:

  • Abortion

Also known as: Termination Of Pregnancy.

Dosing

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Drug interactions

Mifepristone is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4. In vitro studies demonstrate that mifepristone inhibits and induces CYP3A. The drug also inhibits CYP isoenzymes 2C8, 2C9, and 2B6 in vitro. In vitro studies indicate potential drug interactions with substrates of CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4.

In vitro studies indicate potential interactions between mifepristone and drugs transported by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).

Because of the long half-life of mifepristone at steady state, the manufacturer states at least 2 weeks should elapse between discontinuance of mifepristone for management of hyperglycemia secondary to Cushing's syndrome and initiation or dosage increases of any interacting concomitant drugs.

Contraindications

*Mifepristone (Mifeprex(R) and generics) for medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to mifepristone, misoprostol, or other prostaglandins. The drug also is contraindicated in patients with confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy, undiagnosed adnexal mass, or intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) currently in place; chronic adrenal failure or concurrent long-term corticosteroid therapy; and hemorrhagic disorders, inherited porphyrias, or concurrent anticoagulant therapy.

*Mifepristone (Korlym(R)) for management of hyperglycemia secondary to Cushing's syndrome is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to mifepristone or any ingredient in the preparation. The drug also is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and women with a history of unexplained vaginal bleeding or endometrial hyperplasia with atypia or endometrial carcinoma. In addition, mifepristone is contraindicated in patients who require concomitant therapy with systemic corticosteroids for serious medical conditions (e.g., immunosuppression after organ transplantation) and in those receiving simvastatin, lovastatin, or other cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (see Drug Interactions).

Adverse reactions

Mifepristone (Mifeprex(R)): Vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain/cramping are expected effects when mifepristone is used for termination of pregnancy. Adverse effects occurring in over 15% of patients receiving mifepristone in conjunction with misoprostol for termination of pregnancy in clinical studies include nausea, weakness, fever/chills, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Mifepristone (Korlym(R)): Adverse effects occurring in 20% or more of patients with Cushing's syndrome receiving mifepristone in the open-label study include nausea, fatigue, headache, hypokalemia, arthralgia, vomiting, peripheral edema, hypertension, dizziness, decreased appetite, and endometrial hypertrophy.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Abortion
10A07ZXICD10PCSAbortion of products of conception, abortifacient, via natural or artificial opening
Z33.2ICD10CMEncounter for elective termination of pregnancy

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data