Metopirone

Pronunciation: me-TIR-a-pone
Generic Name: Metyrapone
Brand Name: Metopirone

Metopirone is used for:

Testing hypothalamus and pituitary function.

Metopirone is a diagnostic aid. It works by blocking the body's natural production of cortisol and corticosterone, which increases the production of corticotropin (ACTH). This helps to test the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Do NOT use Metopirone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Metopirone
• you have certain adrenal gland problems (adrenal cortical insufficiency) or are taking a corticosteroid (eg, prednisone)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Metopirone:

Some medical conditions may interact with Metopirone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of adrenal gland or thyroid gland problems
• if you have taken phenytoin within the past 2 weeks

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Metopirone. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Acetaminophen because the risk of liver problems may be increased
• Insulin or oral hypoglycemics (eg, glyburide) because the side effects of Metopirone may be increased
• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone ), estrogen, or phenytoin because the effectiveness of Metopirone may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Metopirone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Metopirone:

Use Metopirone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Metopirone with yogurt or milk as directed by your doctor.
• Do not miss any doses. If you are using Metopirone for a diagnostic test and miss a dose, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Metopirone.

Important safety information:

• Metopirone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Metopirone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Metopirone is to be used prior to lab tests performed to test hypothalamus and pituitary gland function. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Metopirone while you are pregnant. It is not known if Metopirone is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Metopirone, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Metopirone:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; severe dizziness or drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Metopirone side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include anxiety; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe dizziness or drowsiness; severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; symptoms of dehydration (eg, dry mouth or eyes, sluggishness); symptoms of low blood sodium levels (eg, mental or mood changes, seizures); weakness.

Proper storage of Metopirone:

Store Metopirone at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Metopirone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Metopirone, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Metopirone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Metopirone. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.