| Clinical data | |
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| Other names | Buterol; 17α-Acetoxy-3β-butanoyloxy-6-methyl-pregna-4,6-dien-20-one; 17α-Acetoxy-6-methyl-20-oxopregna-4,6-dien-3β-yl butyrate; 6-Methyl-17α-hydroxy-δ6-progesterone 3β-butanoate 17α-acetate |
| Drug class | Progestogen; Progestogen ester |
| Identifiers | |
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| CAS Number | |
| PubChem CID | |
| ChemSpider | |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C28H40O5 |
| Molar mass | 456.623 g·mol−1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | |
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Butagest, also known as buterol, is a modification of megestrol acetate in which the C-3 ketone has been replaced by a C3β butanoyloxy moeity. It is chemically known as 3β-hydroxy-6-methyl-17α-hydroxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one 3β-butanoate 17α-acetate or 6-methyl-17α-hydroxy-δ6-progesterone 3β-butanoate 17α-acetate and is a steroidal progestin which was developed in Russia for potential clinical use as a progesterone supplement primarily for hormone replacement therapy but it was never marketed for reasons which are still unclear.
Butagest is a synthetic progestin that mimics the physiological actions of natural progesterone. It is used in various therapeutic contexts, including hormone replacement therapy, fertility treatments, and menstrual irregularities.
Butagest acts as an agonist at progesterone receptors in various tissues. Its primary actions include:
By stabilizing the endometrium, it prevents abnormal uterine bleeding and aids in maintaining hormonal balance during assisted reproductive therapies.
The use of butagest, which contains progesterone, is associated with several adverse effects. These vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual susceptibility.
These effects require immediate medical attention:
Butagest should be used cautiously in patients with a history of:
Regular monitoring is recommended for those with:
The toxicology of progesterone, the active ingredient in butagest, has been studied extensively. Below are key findings:
Progesterone exhibits low acute toxicity. Overdose typically results in mild symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, without life-threatening effects.
Long-term high-dose use may increase the risk of thromboembolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer.
Progesterone is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Improper disposal of progesterone can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, as it is an endocrine-disrupting compound.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2026 (link)