7α-Thiomethylspironolactone

7α-Thiomethylspironolactone (7α-TMS) is a steroidal antiandrogen and the major active metabolite of spironolactone, which is a medication primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

7α-Thiomethylspironolactone is a potent antagonist of the androgen receptor (AR). It binds to the AR with approximately 3.7 times the affinity of spironolactone. It is also a potent antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), with approximately 8.7 times the affinity of spironolactone.

Metabolism[edit | edit source]

7α-Thiomethylspironolactone is formed from spironolactone in the body by thiomethylation, a type of biotransformation. This process involves the replacement of a hydrogen atom with a sulfur atom and a methyl group.

Medical Uses[edit | edit source]

7α-Thiomethylspironolactone is used in the treatment of androgen-dependent conditions, including hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). It is also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema (fluid retention) due to various causes, including heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Potential side effects of 7α-Thiomethylspironolactone include gynecomastia (breast enlargement in males), menstrual irregularities, and hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood).