Paper II
2013 April (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Mifepristone

Q53 marksShort Notes

Answer

Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor antagonist (antiprogestin) that also has antiglucocorticoid activity.

Mechanism of action

  • Competitively blocks progesterone receptors in the endometrium and myometrium
  • Withdraws progesterone support to the endometrium → decidual breakdown, cervical softening, and increases myometrial sensitivity to prostaglandins, promoting uterine contractions

Uses

  • Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) — given with a prostaglandin analogue (misoprostol) for greater efficacy
  • Emergency contraception
  • Induction of labour (in fetal death in utero)
  • Cushing’s syndrome (antiglucocorticoid effect — blocks cortisol receptors)

Adverse effects

  • Vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain/cramping
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
  • Incomplete abortion (requires follow-up)

Contraindications

  • Ectopic pregnancy, chronic adrenal failure, uncontrolled asthma, bleeding disorders

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