17a-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate

Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a synthetic, steroidal progestin; an ester derivative of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone formed from caproic acid.

Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a corticosteroid hormone.|Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a synthetic steroid hormone that is similar to medroxyprogesterone acetate and megestrol acetate. It is an ester derivative of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone formed from caproic acid (hexanoic acid). Hydroxyprogesterone caproate was previously marketed under the trade name Delalutin by Squibb, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1956 and withdrawn from marketing in 1999. The U.S. FDA approved Makena from KV Pharmaceutical (previously named as Gestiva) on February 4, 2011 for prevention of preterm delivery in women with a history of preterm delivery, sparking a pricing controversy.|Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate is a synthetic progestational agent similar to the endogenous progesterone used in hormone therapy or as a female contraceptive. Mimicking the action of progesterone, hydroxyprogesterone caporate binds to and activates nuclear progesterone receptors in the reproductive system and causes the ligand-receptor complex to be translocated to the nucleus where it binds to and promotes expression of target genes. Due to the negative feedback mechanism seen with progesterone, this agent also blocks luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary gland, thereby leading to an inhibition of ovulation and an alteration in the cervical mucus and endometrium. Furthermore, without stimulation of LH, estrogen release from the ovaries is stopped, hence impeding the growth of estrogen-sensitive tumor cells.|Hydroxyprogesterone derivative that acts as a PROGESTIN and is used to reduce the risk of recurrent MISCARRIAGE and of PREMATURE BIRTH. It is also used in combination with ESTROGEN in the management of MENSTRUATION DISORDERS.