Intro to Megestrol acetate

　　Megestrol acetate(CAS.NO 595-33-5) Oral Suspension contains megestrol acetate, a synthetic derivative of the naturally occurring steroid hormone, progesterone .Megestrol acetate is a white, crystalline solid chemically designated as 17α-(acetyloxy)6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione.Solubility at 37°C in water is 2 μg per mL, solubility in plasma is 24 μg per mL.Its molecular weight is 384.51.The empirical formula is C24H32O4 and the structural formula is represented as follows:

　Megestrol acetate,595-33-5

　　Megestrol acetate is used mainly as an appetite stimulant in a variety of conditions and as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment of breast , endometrial , and prostate cancers.When given in relatively high doses, it can substantially increase appetite in most individuals, even those with advanced cancer, and is often used to boost appetite and induce weight gain in patients with cancer or HIV / AIDS -associated cachexia .It is also used as a contraceptive in combination with an estrogen at relatively low doses.
　　In addition to its use in humans, megestrol acetate has been used extensively in veterinary medicine in the treatment of medical conditions in cats and dogs.