Pharmacodynamics OHPA is a progestogen and acts as an agonist of the progesterone receptor (PR), both PRA and PRB isoforms (IC50 = 16.8 nM and 12.6 nM, respectively). It has more than 50-fold higher affinity for the PR isoforms than 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, a little less than half the affinity of progesterone, and slightly higher affinity than OHPC. Additional studies have reported on the affinity of OHPA for the PR. OHPA is of relatively low potency as a progestogen, which may explain its relatively limited use. It is 100-fold less potent than medroxyprogesterone acetate, 400-fold less potent than chlormadinone acetate, and 1,200-fold less potent than cyproterone acetate in animal assays. In terms of producing full progestogenic changes on the endometrium in women, 75 to 100 mg/day oral OHPA is equivalent to 20 mg/day parenteral progesterone, and OHPA is at least twice as potent as oral ethisterone in such regards. It is also reportedly more potent than OHPC. OHPA has been found to be effective as an oral progestogen-only pill at a dosage of 30 mg/day. Pharmacokinetics OHPA has very low but nonetheless significant oral bioavailability and can be taken by mouth. The pharmacokinetics of OHPA have been reviewed. A single intramuscular injection of 150 to 350 mg OHPA in microcrystalline aqueous suspension has been found to have a duration of action of 9 to 16 days in terms of clinical biological effect in the uterus in women.
Hydroxyprogesterone acetate
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
Retroprogesterone
Desoxymethyltestosterone
Gestodene
Lipoidal estradiol
Vinyltestosterone
Hydroxyprogesterone caproate