METYRAPONE

Brand & Generic Names

Metopirone

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antiadrenal

Uses

• To diagnose the function of the pituitary gland.
• Treats Cushing's disease, a disorder characterized by higher- than-normal concentrations of cortisol (one of the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands) in the blood.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
For medical testing purposes--Take the prescribed number of tablets with milk or food on the day before the scheduled test. On the day of the test, blood and urine studies will show the amount of hormones in your blood. Results of the test will help establish your diagnosis.
For treatment of Cushing's syndrome--Swallow tablet with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
For medical testing--Take the prescribed number of tablets on the day before the scheduled test.
For treatment of Cushing's disease--Take total daily amount in divided doses. Follow prescription directions carefully.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Prevents one of the chemical reactions in the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.

Time lapse before drug works:
Approximately 1 hour.

Don't take with:
Cortisone*-like medicines for 48 hours prior to testing.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Nausea (severe), vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sudden weakness, irregular heartbeat.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose Section.

Common:

Dizziness, headache, nausea.

Infrequent:

Drowsiness.

Rare:

Hair loss or excess growth, decreased appetite, confusion, acne (may begin or may worsen if already present).

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You have adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
• You have decreased pituitary function.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you are allergic to metyrapone.
• If you have porphyria.

Over age 60:
No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Safety not established. Take only under careful supervision of medical professional.

Breast-feeding:
Drug may pass into milk, although controlled studies in humans have not been performed. Since the possibility exists, avoid nursing until you finish the medicine.

Infants & children:
No special problems expected.

Prolonged use:
No special problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:
Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Contraceptives*,	Possible inaccurate test results.
Estrogens*	Possible inaccurate test results.
Phenytoin	Possible inaccurate test results.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	Increased appetite and absorption
	of nutrients, causing difficulty
	with weight control.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.