MITOTANE

Brand & Generic Names

Lysodren

O,p'-DDD

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antineoplastic, antiadrenal

Uses

• Treatment for some kinds of cancer.
• Treatment of Cushing's disease.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Take with liquid after light meal. Don't drink fluid with meals. Drink extra fluids between meals. Avoid sweet and fatty foods.

When to take:
At the same time each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Don't ever double dose.

What drug does:
Suppresses adrenal cortex to prevent manufacture of excess cortisone.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 3 weeks for full effect.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Headache, vomiting blood, stupor, seizure.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Darkened skin, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting.
• Mental depression, drowsiness.

Infrequent:

• Fever, chills, sore throat.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, difficult breathing.
• Rash, hair loss, blurred vision, seeing double, cough, tiredness, weakness, dizziness when standing after sitting or lying down.

Rare:

Blood in urine.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to mitotane, corticosteroids* or any antineoplastic drug.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have liver disease.
• If you have infection.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with you doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Unknown if drug passes into milk. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under care of medical supervisors who are experienced in administering anticancer drugs.

Prolonged use:
Adverse reactions more likely the longer drug is required.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:

• Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
• Some side effects may follow discontinuing. Report any new symptoms.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antidepressants*	Increased central nervous system
	depression.
Antihistamines*	Increased central nervous system
	depression.
Central nervous system	Increased sedation.
(CNS) depressants*
Clozapine	Toxic effect on the central nervous
	system.
Corticosteroids*	Decreased effect of corticosteroid.
Ethinamate	Dangerous increased effects of
	ethinamate. Avoid combining.
Fluoxetine	Increased depressant effects of
	both drugs.
Guanfacine	May increase depressant effects of
	either drug.
Leucovorin	High alcohol content of leucovorin
	may cause adverse effects.
Methyprylon	Increased sedative effect, perhaps
	to dangerous level. Avoid.
Mind-altering drugs*	Increased central nervous system
	depression.
Nabilone	Greater depression of central
	nervous system.
Narcotics*	Increased central nervous system
	depression.
Phenytoin	Possible increased metabolism.
Sedatives*	Increased central nervous system
	depression.
Sertraline	Increased depressive effects of
	both drugs.
Sleeping pills*	Increased central nervous system
	depression.
Spironolactone	Decreased mitotane effect.
Tranquilizers*	Increased central nervous system
	depression.
Trilostane	Too much decrease in adrenal
	function.
Warfarin	Possible increased metabolism.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased depression. Avoid.
Beverages:	No problems expected.
Cocaine:	Increased toxicity. Avoid.
Foods:	Reduced irritation in stomach.
Marijuana:	No problems expected.
Tobacco:	Increased possibility of lung
	toxicity.