| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Trade names | Zi Yun (withmifepristone) |
| Other names | AF-53; α-Anordrin; Anordrine; 2α,17α-Diethynyl-A-nor-5α-androstane-2β,17β-diol dipropionate |
| Routes of administration | By mouth[1] |
| Drug class | Selective estrogen receptor modulator |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Metabolites | Anordiol |
| Identifiers | |
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| CAS Number | |
| PubChemCID | |
| ChemSpider | |
| UNII | |
| CompTox Dashboard(EPA) | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C28H38O4 |
| Molar mass | 438.608 g·mol−1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | |
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Anordrin (former developmental code nameAF-53), also known as2α,17α-diethynyl-A-nor-5α-androstane-2β,17β-diol dipropionate, is asynthetic,steroidalselective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) which is used inChina as anemergency contraceptive.[2][3][4][5][6][7] It is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive in China.[7] The drug is marketed in acombination formulation withmifepristone under the brand nameZi Yun.[8][9][10] Anordrin has not been studied for use or marketed outside of China.[11] It has been used in China since the 1970s.[12][1]
Anordrin has both weakestrogenic andantiestrogenic activity.[2][13][14][15] It binds to theestrogen receptor but does not bind to theandrogen receptor or theprogesterone receptor.[14][16] In animals, anordrin hasantigonadotropic effects, and in male animals, inhibitsspermatogenesis and causesatrophy of theepididymis,prostate, andseminal vesicles.[2] It produces a dihydroxylatedactive metabolite,anordiol, with similar but more potent estrogenic activity.[2][17] Theabortifacient effects of anordrin in animals are blocked by supplementalestradiol, suggesting that it is acting as an antiestrogen rather than an estrogen to exert its emergency contraceptive effects.[18]
The drug is also referred to astanqinyao, "the Chinese vacation pill" or "the pill for visiting relatives," given that it is a recommended contraception method for couples[19] who have frequent sex within a short period, as may be the case for Chinese couples who live apart for most of the year due to work.[19]: 175
Anordrin is not approved for use in the United States because each pill is near, or in excess of, the total monthly maximum allowable hormone dose in the American system.[19]: 175