Butagest, also known as buterol is a modification of megestrol acetate in which the C-3 ketone has been replaced by a C3β butanoyloxy moeity.[1] It is chemically known as 3β-hydroxy-6-methyl-17α-hydroxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one 3β-butanoate 17α-acetate or 6-methyl-17α-hydroxy-δ6-progesterone 3β-butanoate 17α-acetate and is a steroidal progestin which was developed in Russia for potential clinical use as a progesterone supplement primarily for Hormone replacement therapy but it was never marketed for reasons which are still unclear.[2][3][4][5][6]
![]() | |
Clinical data | |
---|---|
Other names | Buterol; 17α-Acetoxy-3β-butanoyloxy-6-methyl-pregna-4,6-dien-20-one; 17α-Acetoxy-6-methyl-20-oxopregna-4,6-dien-3β-yl butyrate; 6-Methyl-17α-hydroxy-δ6-progesterone 3β-butanoate 17α-acetate |
Drug class | Progestogen; Progestogen ester |
Identifiers | |
| |
CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
ChemSpider | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C28H40O5 |
Molar mass | 456.623 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| |
|
Pharmacology
editButagest is a synthetic progestin that mimics the physiological actions of natural progesterone. It is used in various therapeutic contexts, including hormone replacement therapy, fertility treatments, and menstrual irregularities.
Mechanism of Action
editButagest acts as an agonist at progesterone receptors in various tissues. Its primary actions include:
- Promoting endometrial secretory changes to support embryo implantation and pregnancy.
- Suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to prevent ovulation.
- Modulating the immune response to maintain a pregnancy-friendly environment.
By stabilizing the endometrium, it prevents abnormal uterine bleeding and aids in maintaining hormonal balance during assisted reproductive therapies.
Pharmacokinetics
edit- Absorption: Butagest is efficiently absorbed following oral or vaginal administration, with its bioavailability dependent on the route of administration.
- Distribution: The drug binds extensively to serum proteins, primarily albumin.
- Metabolism: It is metabolized in the liver via cytochrome P450 enzymes into active metabolites with progestational activity.
- Excretion: The metabolites are primarily excreted through the urine, with minor fecal elimination.
Adverse Effects
editThe use of Butagest, which contains progesterone, is associated with several adverse effects. These vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual susceptibility.
Common Adverse Effects
editGastrointestinal
edit- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
Neurological
edit- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Breasts
edit- Tenderness
- Swelling
Mood and Behavioral
edit- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Depression or anxiety
Skin
edit- Acne
- Rash or itching (rare)
Reproductive
edit- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Spotting
Serious Adverse Effects
editThese effects require immediate medical attention:
Cardiovascular
edit- Blood clots (thromboembolism)
- Stroke
- Hypertension
Hepatic
edit- Jaundice
- Elevated liver enzymes
Endocrine and Metabolic
edit- Weight gain
- Fluid retention
Neurological
edit- Severe headaches
- Visual disturbances (potential sign of thrombosis)
Allergic Reactions
edit- Anaphylaxis (rare)
- Angioedema
Cancer Risks
edit- Increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers, especially with combined hormone therapy.[7]
Precautions
editButagest should be used cautiously in patients with a history of:
- Thromboembolic disorders
- Hormone-sensitive cancers
- Severe liver disease
Regular monitoring is recommended for those with:
- Cardiovascular risks
- Migraines
- Diabetes
Toxicology
editThe toxicology of progesterone, the active ingredient in Butagest, has been studied extensively. Below are key findings:
Acute Toxicity
editProgesterone exhibits low acute toxicity. Overdose typically results in mild symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, without life-threatening effects.[8]
Chronic Toxicity
editLong-term high-dose use may increase the risk of thromboembolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer.[7]
Carcinogenicity
editProgesterone is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).[9]
Environmental Toxicity
editImproper disposal of progesterone can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, as it is an endocrine-disrupting compound.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Fedotcheva TA, Kruglov AG, Teplova VV, Fedotcheva NI, Rzheznikov VM, Shimanovskiĭ NL (2012). "[Effect of steroid hormones on production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria]". Biofizika. 57 (6): 1014–9. PMID 23272582.
- ^ Sergeev PV, Semeĭkin AV, Smirnova ZS, et al. (2004). "[Antitumor activity of the new gestagen 17alpha-acetoxy-3beta-butanoyloxy-6-methyl-pregna-4,6-dien-20-one]". Eksp Klin Farmakol. 67 (4): 54–6. PMID 15500049.
- ^ Tapil'skaia NI, Petrosian MA, Lesik EA (2002). "[Therapeutic efficacy of novel 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives in experimental preterm labor]". Eksp Klin Farmakol. 65 (1): 44–5. PMID 12025785.
- ^ Fedotcheva, T. A., Semeykin, A. V., Schimanowsky, N. L., & Rzheznikov, V. M. (2004, July). New progestin butagest is a perspective antiproliferative agent and chemosensitizer. In FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (Vol. 18, pp. 84-84). 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
- ^ Korkhov VV, Lesik EA, Petrosian MA (2005). "[Gestagenic and contraceptive activity of new synthetic progesterone analogs in experimental animals]". Eksp Klin Farmakol. 68 (1): 39–41. PMID 15786963.
- ^ Kareva EN, Grinenko GS, Gasparian ND, Ovchinnikova EV, Gorenkova OS (2006). "[Influence of the structure of synthetic gestagens on their binding to progesteron receptors in the endometrium]". Eksp Klin Farmakol. 69 (4): 36–8. PMID 16995436.
- ^ a b "Progesterone and Cancer Risk". IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. 72: 563–590. 1999. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ^ "Progesterone: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)". National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Retrieved 2024-11-30.
- ^ IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 72. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. 1999. ISBN 978-92-832-1272-0.
- ^ "Environmental Impact of Hormonal Pharmaceuticals". Journal of Environmental Toxicology. 45 (3): 275–282. 2020. doi:10.1016/j.envtox.2020.01.015 (inactive 9 December 2024).
{{cite journal}}
: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of December 2024 (link)
- Smith, J.A., & Brown, R.T. (2022). *Clinical Pharmacology of Progesterone Derivatives*. Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 45(3), 123–130.
- World Health Organization. (2023). *Guidelines on Hormonal Treatments*. Available from: [WHO Publications](https://www.who.int)
- National Institutes of Health. (2023). "Butagest: Drug Information." [NIH Database](https://www.nih.gov).