mifepristone, n. Pharm.
(mɪfɛˈprɪstəʊn)
[Prob. ad. Du. mifepriston (coined by Vervest & Haspels 1985, in Nederlands Tijdschr. voor Geneeskunde XXXV. 1680), f. mefi- (representing aminophenol s.v. amino-) + -pri- (representing propyne n.) + -st- (representing oestradiol n.) + -one.]
A synthetic norsteroid, C29H35NO2 , which inhibits the action of progesterone and may be given orally in early pregnancy in order to induce abortion.
| 1985 Lancet 2 Nov. 1019/1 Mifepristone (RU486), a new steroid compound which antagonises progesterone and glucocorticosteroid action at the receptor level. 1990 Sci. Amer. June 18/1 Under the name mifepristone, RU 486 is administered as a tablet in conjunction with a small dose of a prostaglandin. 1993 Daily Tel. 18 Jan. 4/5 The French-made drug, mifepristone..can be used for women who are up to nine weeks pregnant. |