drospirenone

Drospirenone is a synthetic progestin used primarily as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It is available both as a progestin-only pill (notably under the brand name Slynd) and in combination with estrogens such as ethinyl estradiol or estetrol (as in Yaz and Yasmin) for combined oral contraception. In addition to its contraceptive use, drospirenone-containing products are approved for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and are also used in menopausal hormone therapy to treat vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy, and help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis[2][3][5]. Drospirenone acts as an agonist at the progesterone receptor, an antagonist at mineralocorticoid receptors (anti-mineralocorticoid activity), and an antagonist at androgen receptors (antiandrogenic activity)[2][6]. Its anti-mineralocorticoid effect opposes estrogen-induced water retention; its antiandrogenic effect helps reduce acne[2][6]. Drospirenone is structurally related to spironolactone.

Brand names

SlyndYazYasminAngeliq

Other names

DihydrospirorenoneDehydrospirorenoneDrospirenona1,2-DihydrospirorenoneDrospirenonumZK 30595ZK30595ZK-30595ZK‑30595