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Metyrapone

  • Take metyrapone exactly as you have been told to by your doctor. Make sure you know how many capsules to take and when to take them.
  • You may feel drowsy while taking metyrapone. If you are a driver, make sure your reactions are normal before driving.

About metyrapone

Type of medicineEndocrine drug
Used forCushing's syndrome
Water retention in certain kidney, liver and heart problems
Also calledMetopirone®
Available asCapsules

Metyrapone is used to diagnose and treat Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a condition where there is too much of a hormone called cortisol in the body. Cortisol helps the body regulate blood pressure and the immune system, keeps blood sugar levels normal and is essential for a normal response to stress. Metyrapone helps prevent the over-production of cortisol which occurs in Cushing's syndrome, thereby controlling the symptoms associated with this condition.

Metyrapone can also be used to treat oedema (a build up of fluids in the body, especially the ankles and face) which is due to increased amounts of the hormone aldosterone in patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, kidney problems and heart failure.

Before taking metyrapone

Before taking metyrapone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you suffer from high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland).
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you suffer from problems with your pituitary or adrenal gland.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take metyrapone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you to. Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take and when to take them.
  • Take metyrapone capsules with or immediately after food.
  • Try to take metyrapone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Metyrapone may make you feel drowsy. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, it is important that you tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking metyrapone.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so that your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with metyrapone.

Can metyrapone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DrowsinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Dizziness or light-headednessGetting up and moving more slowly may help
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store metyrapone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Metopirone®, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2008, accessed 3 September 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3578		DocRef:
dils3048		Last Reviewed:
20 Oct 2008		Version:
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