Mifepristone

Excerpt

Mifepristone, also called RU-486, is a synthetic steroid with dual FDA-approved applications. Firstly, it is utilized in combination with misoprostol for pregnancy termination up to 10 weeks of gestation, offering a medical alternative to surgical procedures for induced abortions. Secondly, mifepristone is employed in managing and treating hyperglycemia associated with Cushing syndrome. As a low-dose competitive binder, mifepristone obstructs progesterone action by binding to its intracellular receptor. Higher doses impede cortisol activity at the glucocorticoid receptor, concurrently elevating circulating cortisol levels to regulate hyperglycemia in individuals with Cushing syndrome. Apart from its predominant use in medically induced abortions, mifepristone proves valuable in addressing Cushing syndrome and uterine leiomyomas.