Metyrapone

About Metyrapone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as aldosterone inhibitors.

It is used to treat Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a disease caused by excess amounts of corticosteroid hormones in the body. Corticosteroids are essential for the body to make use of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and for a normal response to stress. They are also necessary for the regulation of salt and water balance in the body. Metyrapone helps prevent the production of corticosteroids, controlling the symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome.

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 secretion of a certain corticosteroid, in patients suffering from cirrhosis, nephrosis and heart failure.

Metyrapone is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Metopirone. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Metyrapone

Before taking any of this medicine 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 hypertension (high blood pressure), hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), porphyria (a blood disorder) or problems with your pituitary gland
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Metyrapone

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Metyrapone capsules with or immediately after food.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of metyrapone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Metyrapone can cause drowsiness and dizziness. 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.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside metyrapone.

Can Metyrapone cause problems?

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

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), dizziness, headache, drowsiness, tummy pain, skin rashes, itching or hairiness.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Metyrapone

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 22/10/2003