Antipyrine metabolism and liver function in patients treated with high-dose medroxyprogesterone

The effect of high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 250 mg intramuscularly for six days) on hepatic drug-metabolism and liver function was investigated in eleven females with endometrial carcinoma. Antipyrine plasma clearance, an index of hepatic drug-metabolizing ability, improved significantly during this treatment, and the serum total bilirubin level was lowered, whereas other liver function tests, including alkaline phosphatase, and albumin values in the serum, remained unchanged. The results demonstrate that therapy with MPA has an inducing effect on hepatic enzyme activity and antipyrine metabolism. The findings may be of importance when prescribing drugs for females receiving large doses of MPA.