RU 486 is a synthetic steroid possessing antiprogestin and antiglucocorticoid activities. This paper summarizes the main pharmacological properties of this molecule. It is now under the phase II-III clinical studies in the world for early pregnancy interruption. By itself, the drug shows a 85 % complete efficacy provided it is given at the dose of 600 mg (3 × 200 mg) once in pregnancies below or equal to 41 days of amenorrhea. The clinical tolerance of the drug is extremely satisfactory, but metrorrhagia can in some instances be heavy, thus necessitating an adequate medical monitoring. The antiglucogenic activity of the molecule has no clinical relevance. In the future, soma data suggest that adjunction of a synthetic prostaglandin analog could somehow increase the success rate, but further studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of such a combination.

Keywords:
Fertility control, RU 486, Mifepristone
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© 1987 S. Karger AG, Basel
1987
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