Metopirone

Metopirone via oral route is administered to diagnose certain health problems concerning the adrenal glands.

Located near the kidneys, the adrenal glands is the producer of cortisol, a steroid chemical that helps the body regulate illness and stress.

Taking a metyrapone test enables the doctor to know if the adrenal glands are producing the right amount of cortisone whenever the body is under stress or illnesses.

The test is done by administering metyrapone orally in prescribed doses a day before the testing is done.

The following day, blood and urine tests will be done, which will check the level of cortisol in the body. The test result is per diagnosis of the doctor.

If you are about to start Metopirone, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. You and your doctor should always talk and weigh its risks and benefits.

For metyrapone, you have to talk to your doctor about:

Allergies. If you had any allergic reaction or adverse reaction to any medicine, including metyrapone, tell your doctor right away. Also, inform your doctor if you have allergies of any type - be it with food, preservatives, animals, or dyes. Even a non-active ingredient of the medicine can affect you if you are allergic to it.

Pediatrics. While this medicine is clinically tested for use in children, it is still advised to talk to your doctor about it.

Geriatric. The use of metyrapone in the elderly has no specific information, but the drug is not expected to cause any side effects different than the ones stated when used by older people.

Drug Interactions. Certain medicines have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary. When taking metyrapone, you should take precautions when taking drugs like tegafur, as well as smoke tobacco and drink alcohol.

Other medical conditions. If you have other medical problems, they may have an effect with the medicine. Conditions such as heart disease, breast cancer, or type 2 diabetes may cause drug interaction resulting in false results in testing and diagnosis.

To use Metopirone properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Metopirone, especially when taken in large doses, may cause nausea and vomiting.

To lessen this effect, it is advised to take it with meals or a glass of milk. If you are taking it as a treatment, make sure to tell your doctor in case you are to do some medical tests, as taking this may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Dosing:

The dose of metyrapone depends on the patient's age, weight, and symptoms, as well as the strength of the medicine. Do not change the dosage the doctor indicated unless he or she told you otherwise.

The number of doses and the number of hours between doses generally depend on the reason why you are taking metyrapone.

Generally, dosage will be as follow:

For testing the adrenal glands in ADULTS, 3 tablets of 750 mg metyrapone may be taken every four hours or a single dose of 2000 -3000 mg may be taken, depending on the doctor’s advice.

For testing the adrenal glands in CHILDREN, the dose is determined based on the body weight. Usually, doctors prescribe 15 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken every four hours.

Missed Dose:

In case you missed a dose of metyrapone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, go back to the regular intake schedule and skip the missed dose.

Never take double doses. Contact your doctor immediately if you are taking the medicine for a test procedure but you missed a dose.

False test results may occur when you miss a dose or you take the medication on the wrong schedule.

Storage:

Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

In using Metopirone, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Taking Metopirone may result in dizziness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. You may feel less alert than usual.

Take note of how the medicine interacts with you. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything else that may need utmost alertness since it could be dangerous.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Metopirone to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Not all people may suffer from these side effects.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you encounter any of the following:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Skin rashes
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle pain
• Clitoris enlargement
• Core throat
• Fever
• Swollen legs or feet
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Rapid, unexplainable weight gain

Watch out for the following symptoms that may be caused by overdose:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Decrease in consciousness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Vomiting
• Unusual thirst
• Weakness

These side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medicine. However, it may also be an indication that your dosage is excessive, so seeing your doctor is advised.

Side effects of metyrapone may be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.