Pharmacodynamics

Dienogest has progestogenic activity, possibly some antiprogestogenic activity, and has antiandrogenic activity.The medication does not interact with the estrogen receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor, or the mineralocorticoid receptor, and hence has no estrogenic, glucocorticoid, or antimineralocorticoid activity.Because of its relatively high selectivity as a progestogen, dienogest may have favorable safety and tolerability compared to various other progestins.

Features

Dienogest is a mixed progestogen with dual properties of 19-nortestosterone derivatives and progesterone derivatives; therefore, it combines the pharmacological advantages of natural and synthetic progestins with high progestogenic activity .

Side effects

Side effects associated with dienogestrel are the same as those expected of a progestogen.They include menstrual irregularities, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, depression, acne, weight gain, flatulence, and others.Dienogest produces no androgenic side effects and has little effect on metabolic and lipid hemostatic parameters.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Dienogest is used to treat endometriosis. It might also help to decrease the levels of plasma estradiol by stimulating cell death of granulosa cells in the ovary.

Physical properties

Dienogestrel is a pale yellow solid.

Definition

ChEBI: A steroid hormone that is 17beta-hydroxy-3-oxoestra-4,9-diene substituted at position 17 by a cyanomethyl group. Used as an oral contraceptive.

Brand name

Endometrion (Schering A.G., Germany).