Mifepristone: An overview for Australian practice

Abstract

Mifepristone was the first antiprogestogen to be developed for clinical use. It is not only a progesterone receptor antagonist, but also acts as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. The fundamental importance of progesterone for human conception and throughout pregnancy has meant that mifepristone has been used in other countries for emergency contraception and medical abortion in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. It has also been used to manage fetal death in utero in the third trimester of pregnancy. There are other potential uses based on its mechanism of action, such as reducing the bleeding associated with uterine fibroids.