Metopirone

Generic name: Metyrapone
Drug classes: Adrenal corticosteroid inhibitors, In vivo diagnostic biologicals

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Metopirone used for?

Metopirone is a prescription medicine that is used to check the pituitary gland’s function. Metopirone may be given to you for other reasons.

Description

Metopirone (metyrapone Capsules) 250 mg is an inhibitor of endogenous adrenal corticosteroid synthesis, available as 250-mg capsules for oral administration. Its chemical name is 2-methyl-1, 2-di-3-pyridyl-1-propanone, and its structural formula is

Metyrapone is a white to light amber, fine, crystalline powder, having a characteristic odor. It is sparingly soluble in water, and soluble in methanol and in chloroform. It forms water-soluble salts with acids. Its molecular weight is 226.28.

Inactive Ingredients. Polyethylene glycol, glycerin, gelatin, sodium ethyl hydroxybenzoate, sodium propyl hydroxybenzoate, ethyl vanillin, 4-methoxyacetophenone, titanium dioxide, red ink.

Before taking Metopirone, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Metopirone; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have adrenal gland problems.
If you are taking estrogen or a steroid like prednisone.
If you have taken phenytoin within the past 2 weeks.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Metopirone with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Metopirone?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Metopirone. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Metopirone affects you.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Metopirone best taken?

Use Metopirone as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with yogurt or milk as your doctor has told you.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of Metopirone that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a weak adrenal gland like a very bad upset stomach or throwing up, very bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, not hungry, or weight loss.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.

What are some other side effects of Metopirone?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Dizziness or headache.
Feeling sleepy.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Stomach pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Metopirone Images

Metopirone 250 mg

How do I store and/or throw out Metopirone?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Protect from heat.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.