Description
This page contains brief details about the drug megestrol, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Date of Approval
Megestrol is an anticancer, antianorexia and anticachectic medication that was approved for its medical use in September 1993.
Mechanism of Action of Megestrol
Megestrol is an anticancer agent that belongs to the class of progestogens. It is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, although it is said that Megestrol works through progestin-inducing mechanism and stimulates cell maturation by binding to the progesterone receptors.
Uses of Megestrol
Megestrol Tablet has been developed to treat hormone-dependent cancer like endometrial and breast cancer. Its off-label indications include treatment of cancer-related loss of appetite (anorexia) and muscle loss (cachexia).
Megestrol Dosage available
Megestrol is available as a tablet in doses 40mg and 160mg. The initial dose is 40mg four times a day and the maximum dosage is 800mg. The dosage and frequency vary according to the type of cancer.
