Desogestrel

DescriptionDesogestrel is a synthetic progestogen. It inhibits ovulation and prevents fertilization in rabbits and mice. Desogestrel inhibits rhodamine 123 efflux, a measure of P-glycoprotein activity, ex vivo in human lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Formulations containing desogestrel have been used as oral contraceptives and for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.

UsesA progestogen with low androgenic potency

General DescriptionDesogestrel, (17α)-13-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-17-ol, is a 19-nortestosterone analog with good progestin activity. Likethe other progestins, it is orally active and used in combinationwith an estrogen in oral contraceptives. Desogestrel is aprodrug that must be oxidized to the 3-one in vivo to haveprogestational action. CYPs 2C9 and 2C19 have been implicatedin the initial hydroxylation of desogestrel at C3.