Drospirinone: new generation of progestogen
Abstract: Drospirinone is a
new generation of progestogen that possesses antimineralocorticoid effect.
Progestogen of this type has been used as a component in combined
contraceptives. The combined contraceptives of old generation contained
progestogen component of testosterone derivative. Progestogen of this type does
not have antimineralcorticoid effect, such that it could cause fluid retention.
As a result, women who used combined pills of this type often complained of
headache, breast pain, calf pain, increased body weight and blood pressure.
Owing to its androgenic effect, combined contraception pills that contained
testosterone-derived progestogen may cause acne and oily face. Combined
contraception that contains drospirinone does not cause headache, breast pain,
calf pain, increased body weight and blood pressure. Drospirinone has such a
strong anti-androgenic nature that it does not result in acne and oily face. In
addition, combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirinone can be used for
treating pre-menstrual syndrome and menstrual pain. Drospirinone does not
affect lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
Author: Ali Baziad
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050127
