Miropriston

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Miropriston

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Mifepristone (C29H35NO2)
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological class Antiprogestogen, Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist
General purpose Modulation of hormone-dependent physiological processes
Origin Synthetic Steroid

What Type of Medicine is Miropriston?

Miropriston is a specialized medicinal product containing the single active ingredient, Mifepristone, which is primarily classified as an Antiprogestogen. This places the compound within a class of agents designed to selectively block the activity of Progesterone, a hormone crucial for maintaining certain physiological states. The drug’s core mechanism is clinically recognized for achieving its effect through receptor competitive binding, effectively preventing the natural hormone from activating target cells. The compound is additionally acknowledged for its secondary action as a Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist, a property which extends its utility beyond reproductive health to endocrine system management.

Mifepristone: Composition, Form, and Origin

The active substance, Mifepristone (C29H35NO2), is a potent synthetic steroid compound, meaning it is manufactured chemically to ensure high purity and a standardized structure, distinguishing it from naturally derived agents. Miropriston is typically presented as a prescription-only oral tablet for systemic administration, with formulations adhering to the established quality standards for this dosage form. Its presentation as an oral tablet ensures the controlled and systemic delivery of the Antiprogestogen agent.

What is the General Therapeutic Principle of Antiprogestogens?

The general therapeutic principle of Miropriston is to induce targeted physiological changes by leveraging its receptor antagonism against Progesterone. By blocking this hormone, the drug prompts key actions, including decidual tissue degeneration and increased myometrial contractility. This mechanism is often utilized to manage hormone-dependent processes, such as promoting the expulsion of the uterine lining, an application supported by rigorous, peer-reviewed research. Furthermore, the drug's established action as a Glucocorticoid receptor antagonist offers a specialized therapeutic approach to regulating endocrine conditions characterized by cortisol excess.

What side effects are possible with Miropriston?

Official Classification of Possible Side Effects

The safety profile of Miropriston (Mifepristone) is officially documented by government regulatory agencies based on frequency and affected physiological systems. The majority of reported adverse reactions fall into the Very Common or Common categories, which primarily involve systemic, gastrointestinal, and reproductive effects. The official regulatory classification defines these events at a high, non-instructional level.

Systemic and Frequency Patterns

Very Common side effects listed in regulatory documents include nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, asthenia (weakness), and uterine cramping. For use in pregnancy termination, vaginal bleeding is an expected physiological effect that is documented to persist for an average of 9 to 16 days. Some effects, such as flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal distress, are noted to be more pronounced at the initiation of therapy.

Adverse effects are grouped into System-Organ Classes (SOC), including Gastrointestinal Disorders, Nervous System Disorders, Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders, and Endocrine Disorders.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official regulatory information emphasizes the occurrence of rare but serious adverse reactions. These documented risks include severe, sometimes fatal, bacterial infection and sepsis, which may occur without typical symptoms. Severe or prolonged hemorrhage requiring clinical intervention is also a documented serious risk. Furthermore, due to the drug’s pharmacological activity, adrenal insufficiency is a documented serious adverse reaction.

The official label mandates specific constraints. Use is generally not recommended in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment due to limited safety data. The drug is contraindicated for the termination of pregnancy in individuals with confirmed hemorrhagic disorders or concurrent anticoagulant therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for Miropriston (Mifepristone) addresses two distinct concerns: the physiological effects of massive ingestion and the severe, life-threatening complications that mandate immediate medical attention.

Overdose Scope and Presentations

Massive overdose, particularly at exposure levels of 4.5 mg/kg or greater, is documented to result in a compensatory elevation of ACTH and cortisol levels, reflecting the drug’s potent anti-glucocorticoid activity. Patients should be observed closely for potential signs of adrenal failure following accidental massive ingestion.

When Immediate Medical Help is Required

Emergency medical care must be sought immediately for the following severe, life-threatening manifestations, as explicitly stated in prescribing information:

  • Prolonged heavy vaginal bleeding: Defined as soaking through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
  • Sustained fever: A temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or persistent severe abdominal pain.
  • Systemic Distress: Symptoms such as syncope (fainting), seizure, or trouble breathing.

Management and Regulatory Stance

No specific antidote is known for Miropriston overdose; therefore, management is officially defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment. This may include the administration of dexamethasone for acute anti-glucocorticoid effects. Regulatory documents emphasize that individuals must have access to emergency medical facilities capable of providing acute care, including blood transfusions, should these severe complications arise.

Therapeutic Uses of Miropriston

Quick Facts

  • Medical Termination of Pregnancy: Used in a regimen with misoprostol to manage and conclude an intrauterine pregnancy through ten weeks gestation.
  • Cushing Syndrome: Used for the management and supportive treatment of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) associated with Cushing syndrome.

Miropriston is a medication indicated for use in two distinct therapeutic domains. It is utilized in a regimen with misoprostol to support the medical termination of an intrauterine pregnancy up to 70 days of gestation (ten weeks or less since the first day of the last menstrual period). This treatment is an established option for this purpose. Both brand name and generic versions of this medication have been developed for this therapeutic use.

Additionally, Miropriston is a medication for the management of hyperglycemia associated with endogenous Cushing syndrome. In this context, it is used to help control high blood sugar levels in certain patients living with the condition. It is an option for individuals with Cushing syndrome who have either failed surgery or who are not candidates for a surgical intervention.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for Miropriston is strictly defined by regulatory bodies based on the specific approved indication and the patient's underlying health status. Official labeling specifies populations who must not use the medicine (contraindicated) and those who face specific conditional restrictions.

Absolute Contraindications

The medicine is absolutely prohibited for individuals with chronic adrenal failure, inherited porphyria, hemorrhagic disorders, or those receiving concurrent long-term corticosteroid therapy. For its use in pregnancy termination, it is contraindicated in cases of ectopic pregnancy or when gestation is greater than 70 days. When used for Cushing syndrome, the medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy and in the presence of certain uterine conditions, such as endometrial carcinoma.

Conditional and Restricted Use

  • Organ Function: Use is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Patients with mild-to-moderate renal or hepatic impairment (Cushing use) are subject to a mandated maximum daily dose restriction.
  • Age Groups: Use is officially classified as not established in the general pediatric and geriatric populations due to a lack of dedicated study data.
  • Lactation Status: Long-term breastfeeding should be avoided during chronic treatment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

Interactions with other products are primarily dictated by Miropriston’s (Mifepristone’s) effects on the body’s drug-processing systems, specifically its role as both a substrate and a potent inhibitor of the enzyme CYP3A4. This enzyme is essential for metabolizing a large number of medicines, meaning co-administration can significantly alter the concentration of either Miropriston or the other medicine.

  • Enzyme Inhibitors and Inducers: Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) can raise Miropriston levels, while strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, dexamethasone) can decrease its levels. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice consumption is also restricted as it may increase Miropriston exposure.
  • Enzyme Substrates: Because Miropriston inhibits multiple enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2B6), it can elevate the concentrations of medicines metabolized by these pathways, such as certain statins (simvastatin, lovastatin), anticoagulants (warfarin), or immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus). High-dose use of Miropriston for specific conditions has definite restrictions, contraindicating co-use with drugs like Simvastatin and Lovastatin.
  • Anticoagulant and Hemorrhagic Agents: Use with concurrent anticoagulant therapy is restricted.
  • Required Co-Administration: When used in specific regimens, the required medicine Misoprostol must be administered under a specific time constraint, generally 24 to 48 hours following Miropriston administration.

Mechanism of Action

Miropriston, also known as Mifepristone, functions as a synthetic steroidal antagonist that primarily targets the intracellular progesterone receptor (PR). The molecule binds competitively to the PR with high affinity, preventing the natural agonistic action of progesterone. This receptor-ligand interaction induces a conformational change in the receptor's ligand-binding domain, which blocks the normal recruitment of coactivators and disrupts the receptor's ability to translocate to the nucleus and bind to progesterone-response elements on DNA.

The resulting intracellular cascade inhibits the transcription of progesterone-dependent genes. This molecular pathway modulation leads to the systemic physiological consequence of endometrial destabilization and the promotion of proteolytic processes, including the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. This effect increases the sensitivity of the myometrium to contractile stimuli, modulating uterine tone and contractility.

At higher concentrations, Miropriston also acts as a competitive antagonist of the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR), blocking the binding and activity of cortisol. GR antagonism causes a subsequent modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in a compensatory elevation of circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Scope

Entity Instruction Details
Route of administration The active ingredient, Mifepristone, is administered via the oral route. The companion drug (Misoprostol) is administered via the buccal route in standard regimens. Regional variations may include the vaginal route for prostaglandin analogues.
Dosing schedule Short-Term Regimen: A single oral dose of 200 mg. Long-Term Management (e.g., hypercortisolism): Initial oral dose of 300 mg once daily.
Timing in relation to meals For long-term management, the oral tablet must be taken with a meal.
Preparation requirements The oral tablets for long-term use must be swallowed whole and should not be split, crushed, or chewed.

Instruction Classifications

Miropriston is administered according to two distinct therapeutic patterns, each dictating a specific dose, route, and schedule. The active ingredient is always delivered via the oral route in tablet form.

For the short-term sequential regimen, Miropriston is used as a single oral dose of 200 mg. This is followed by the companion medication, Misoprostol (800 mcg), administered buccally 24 to 48 hours later. For long-term management, such as in the context of hypercortisolism, Miropriston is initiated as a once-daily oral dose of 300 mg.

Special Procedural Conditions The long-term regimen allows for dose adjustments in 300 mg increments, with increases occurring no more frequently than once every two to four weeks, up to a maximum daily dose of 1200 mg (or 20 mg/kg, whichever is lower). Explicit dosage limits are provided for patients with impaired organ function: for individuals with renal impairment or mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum daily dose is restricted to 600 mg. If long-term treatment is interrupted, reinitiation must begin at the initial 300 mg dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Miropriston

This section provides a factual summary of the formal research and clinical trials that form the evidence base for Miropriston (Mifepristone). The information below describes the scope and nature of the studies that have been conducted, without providing any medical or usage advice.

Evidence for Use in Medical Termination of Intrauterine Pregnancy

The clinical evaluation for this use was subject to an extensive body of research. The core evidence was sourced from large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Meta-analyses that pool data from multiple global investigations and was reviewed by regulators for its use in intrauterine pregnancy up to 70 days gestation.

These studies primarily evaluated the rate of complete uterine expulsion, which was used as the main outcome measure for the process. In these research scenarios, the medicine was studied for its use in adult women seeking termination. Meta-analyses described patterns observed in the rate of complete uterine expulsion when the agent was used in combination with a prostaglandin analog. Research has observed a pattern where the need for additional procedures was noted to increase at later gestational ages within the studied time window.

Evidence for Use in Cushing Syndrome

The evidence for the use of Miropriston in managing hyperglycemia associated with endogenous Cushing syndrome is derived from a different set of clinical data. The regulatory evidence is derived primarily from a multi-center, Open-label Phase 3 Clinical Trial, along with subsequent extension studies and analyses. Research explored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance linked to cortisol excess.

In these trials, the medicine was evaluated in adult patients with Cushing syndrome who also had co-existing conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Impaired Glucose Tolerance. Outcomes examined included changes in glucose tolerance and the tracking of a Global Clinical Response (GCR). Studies monitored GCR and described patterns related to the number of patients who met the predefined criteria during the study period.

Gaps in the Evidence and Areas of Ongoing Research

Research highlights what is known—and what is still uncertain—about this medicine. For the use in Cushing syndrome, a key limitation noted is that the main trial was open-label and non-comparative (lacking a concurrent control group) during the primary observation period in the main trial. This comparative evidence is lacking and limits the ability of the research to isolate the observed patterns. In both indications, study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Miropriston (FAQ)


Q: What are the most common side effects I should expect?

A: Official regulatory documents classify side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and asthenia (weakness) as 'Very Common.' If the medicine is used in the short-term sequential regimen, vaginal bleeding is an expected physiological effect that is documented to persist for an average of 9 to 16 days.


Q: Is Miropriston safe to use if I am also taking an anticoagulant like Warfarin?

A: Official information states the medicine is contraindicated (prohibited) for individuals with hemorrhagic disorders or those receiving concurrent anticoagulant therapy. This restriction is in place due to the documented serious risk of prolonged or severe hemorrhage.


Q: What must I do with any leftover Miropriston when I stop treatment?

A: The official label mandates that the disposal of any unused or expired medicine must be carried out in accordance with local environmental regulations. Official guidance advises against disposal via household waste or wastewater. Instead, disposal is recommended through a local pharmacy return program or drug take-back option.


Q: Can children or older adults take this medication?

A: Regulatory information indicates that the use of Miropriston is officially classified as 'not established' in the general pediatric (children) and geriatric (older adult) populations. This is primarily due to a lack of dedicated study data and evidence in these specific age groups.


Q: How long will I be required to stay in the clinic after the procedure?

A: For the short-term sequential regimen, official updates have removed the requirement that the companion drug (misoprostol) must be taken in the clinic, allowing administration at home or another appropriate location. The official procedure outlines a follow-up visit, typically scheduled 7 to 14 days after the initial administration of Miropriston.


Q: How much time must elapse between taking Miropriston and the companion drug, Misoprostol?

A: According to the official posology (dosing) instructions, the companion medicine, Misoprostol, is prescribed to be taken buccally after a specific time interval. This interval is set at 24 to 48 hours following the oral administration of Miropriston.

How should Miropriston be stored and disposed of?

The official labeling dictates strict conditions for the storage and disposal of Miropriston (mifepristone) tablets to maintain product stability and ensure safety.

Storage and Handling

  • Temperature: Store at Controlled Room Temperature (25 C / 77 F). The permitted temperature range is 15 C–30 C.
  • Protection: The medicine must be kept in the original container/outer carton to protect the tablets from light and moisture.
  • Child Safety: Always store the product out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Requirements

  • Unused Product: Disposal of any unused or expired Miropriston must be carried out in accordance with local pharmaceutical and environmental regulations.
  • Environmental Restriction: Regulatory documents often advise that the medicine must not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater; instead, utilize a local drug take-back or pharmacy return program.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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