2181-04-6

Spiroctan,Boehringer Mannheim,Switz.,1968

anticholithogenic, antilipemic agent

The lactone is prepared as follows: A solution of 5 parts of 17α-carboxyethyl- 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one lactone and 5 parts of chloranil in 400 parts of xylene containing a trace of p-toluenesulfonic acid is heated at the boiling point of the solvent under reflux overnight. The solution is then cooled and filtered through approximately 200 parts of silica gel. The gel is successively washed with 5%, 10%, and 15% ethyl acetate-benzene solutions, and the washings comprising 15% ethyl acetate are thereupon purified by chromatography on a further quantity of silica gel, using benzene and ethyl acetate as developing solvents. From the 15% ethyl acetate eluate there is obtained pure 17α-carboxyethyl-17β-hydroxyandrost-4,6-dien-3-one lactone, melting at 148° to 151°C. The product solidifies above this melting point and melts again at 165°C.

Aldactone-diurapid;Aldadiene potassium;Kadiur;Lasiren;Luvion;Osirenol;Osyrol-lasix;Phanurane;Sincomen pro injectione;Speroctan-m;Spiroctan.

Aldosterone antagonist, Diuretic

Potassium canrenoate, which has no intrinsic aldosterone antagonist activity, owes its therapeutic effect to the enzymatic interconversion in the body to canrenone. Evidence that long-term administration of high doses are tumorigenic in the rat has recently led to restriction of its use by some national regulatory authorities. See also WHO comments for canrenone and spironolactone.