Aminoglutethimide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 12, 2022.

Applies to aminoglutethimide: oral tablet.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from aminoglutethimide, contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• fainting or dizziness, especially when standing up.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking aminoglutethimide and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• dizziness, drowsiness, poor coordination, or weakness;

• nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

• headache; or

• rash and itching.

Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with aminoglutethimide.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to aminoglutethimide: oral tablet.

General

In general, side effects have been reported to have occurred in approximately two-thirds of patients, often limiting the use of the drug. Side effects typically manifest as sedation or lethargy and skin rash.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included lethargy (up to 40% incidence), ataxia (up to 10%), malaise, confusion, dizziness, and headache.^[Ref]

Somnolence and lethargy are dose-related and are more common early in therapy. Although these effects are usually transient, some patients may require a dosage reduction to alleviate severe lethargy.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included rash of the morbilliform or maculopapular types in up to 30% of patients, pruritus, petechiae, ecchymoses, urticaria, oral ulcerations, and capillaritis (purpura simplex).^[Ref]

Although these rashes are generally mild and transient, they have also occurred in conjunction with more serious side effects, such as cholestatic jaundice and blood dyscrasias. In addition, patients on radiotherapy in close temporal association with aminoglutethimide administration have developed erythema, confluent and plaque-like rashes, and marked desquamation in the areas of radiation exposure.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea (14%) and vomiting (3%).^[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis.^[Ref]

In a multicenter analysis involving 1,233 patients treated with aminoglutethimide, 0.9% of patients developed hematologic toxicity. Thrombocytopenia and/or leukopenia were noted. One patient with marrow aplasia developed septicemia and died.

Additional cases of fatal thrombocytopenia and fatal agranulocytosis have been reported, although most patients recover with discontinuation of aminoglutethimide and supportive care.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included elevations in liver function tests and very rarely, cholestatic jaundice.^[Ref]

Elevations in SGOT, SGPT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin have been reported with the use of aminoglutethimide. Two cases of cholestatic jaundice without evidence of hepatosplenomegaly or hepatic tenderness have also been reported and may be a manifestation of drug hypersensitivity.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included an isolated case of diffuse alveolar damage and hemorrhage. A case of pulmonary eosinophilia has also been reported.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, and tachycardia.^[Ref]

Because aminoglutethimide may suppress aldosterone production, orthostatic hypotension or persistent hypotension may develop in some patients. Patients should be instructed to report symptoms of hypotension such as weakness or dizziness. The addition of fludrocortisone to the drug regimen may alleviate this side effect in some patients.^[Ref]

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency.^[Ref]

The concurrent administration of glucocorticoids is often necessary to help prevent reflex ACTH secretion in response to low cortisol levels. In addition, some patients may require supplementation with fludrocortisone, a mineralocorticoid.

Iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency does not occur in all patients. However, adrenal function should be monitored regularly. In one case report, a patient developed adrenal failure approximately two years after starting an aminoglutethimide/cortisone acetate regimen.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included skin rashes, pruritus, and rarely, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.^[Ref]

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects have included positive antinuclear antibody and drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included leg cramps and myalgia.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included elevations in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apoprotein B, and apoprotein C-III. Aminoglutethimide has been reported to decrease thyroid hormone secretion. Hyponatremia may also occur.^[Ref]

Aminoglutethimide interferes with the conversion of cholesterol to delta-5-pregnenolone. Consequently, serum cholesterol levels may become elevated. In one study, 68% of patients treated with aminoglutethimide 500 mg per day experienced elevations in total cholesterol and 100% of patients treated with 1000 mg per day experienced this effect. In another study, patients who were normolipidemic at baseline developed elevated GGT in addition to elevated lipoproteins.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included malaise, fever, chills, and facial fullness. A case of worsening Meniere's disease has been reported.^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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