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

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

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

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

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

See Also

• Spironolactone
• Antiandrogen
• Androgen receptor
• Mineralocorticoid receptor