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mifepristone

(Science: chemical) A progestational and glucocorticoid hormone antagonist. Its inhibition of progesterone induces bleeding during the luteal phase and in early pregnancy by releasing endogenous prostaglandins from the endometrium or decidua. As a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, the drug has been used to treat hypercortisolism in patients with nonpituitary cushing's syndrome.

Pharmacological action: abortifacient agents, steroidal, contraceptives, oral, synthetic, contraceptives, postcoital, synthetic, hormone antagonists, luteolytic agents, menstruation-inducing agents.

Chemical name: Estra-4,9-dien-3-one, 11-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-17-hydroxy-17-(1-propynyl)-, (11beta,17beta)-