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Metopirone

Generic: Metyrapone

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
68118-455
RxCUI
105450
Route
ORAL
ICD-10 indication
E24.9

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About Metopirone

What is this medication?

Metopirone, which contains the active ingredient metyrapone, is primarily used as a diagnostic drug to help doctors assess the function of the pituitary gland and determine the specific cause of Cushing's syndrome. By temporarily reducing the production of cortisol, the medication allows healthcare providers to observe how the body's hormonal feedback system responds. This testing process is essential for identifying whether an overproduction of cortisol is being driven by the pituitary gland or by other factors, such as tumors in the adrenal glands.

In addition to its diagnostic role, Metopirone may be used to manage the symptoms of excessive cortisol production in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. It works by blocking a specific enzyme in the adrenal glands known as 11-beta-hydroxylase, which is required for the final step of cortisol synthesis. By inhibiting this enzyme, the medication effectively lowers the level of cortisol circulating in the bloodstream. This can help alleviate various health issues associated with high hormone levels, such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and muscle weakness, particularly when other treatments are not immediately possible.

Copay & patient assistance

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Metopirone. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Oct 2, 2025

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Metopirone is indicated, in combination with other diagnostic tests, for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in adult and pediatric patients. Metopirone is indicated, in combination with other diagnostic tests, for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in adult and pediatric patients. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Single-Dose Short Test: 30 mg/kg at midnight ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Information Before Conducting Metopirone Testing Stop drugs affecting pituitary or adrenocortical function before administration of Metopirone in accordance with half-life of the drugs (consider at least 5 half-lives to avoid any interference with Metopirone testing). [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Assess ability of patient's adrenals to respond to exogenous ACTH before Metopirone is employed as a test [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.2 Single-Dose Short Test- Recommended Dose and Interpretation This test, usually given on an outpatient basis, determines plasma 11-desoxycortisol and/or ACTH levels after a single dose of Metopirone. Patients with suspected adrenocortical insufficiency based on the test results previously performed should be hospitalized overnight as a precautionary measure ( see Warnings and Precaution (5.1) ). Recommended Dose In adult and pediatric patients, the recommended single dose is 30 mg/kg (maximum 3 grams of Metopirone) administered at midnight with milk/yogurt or snack. The blood sample for the assay is taken early the following morning (7:30-8:00 a.m.). After the blood sample is collected, a prophylactic dose of glucocorticoid may be considered for patients with high risk for acute adrenal insufficiency. Interpretation of 11‑desoxycortisol and ACTH Levels After Metopirone Administration Approximately 8 hours after administration of Metopirone, evaluate the values of ACTH and 11-desoxycortisol. Normal values will depend on the method used to determine ACTH and 11‑desoxycortisol levels. An intact HPA axis function is generally indicated by an increase in 11‑desoxycortisol to over 70 mcg/L. Because of an overlap between a normal ACTH response and an abnormal ACTH response, the ACTH response alone cannot be used to distinguish between healthy individuals and those with adrenal insufficiency.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Metopirone is contraindicated in patients with adrenal cortical insufficiency or hypersensitivity to Metopirone or to any of its excipients. In patients with adrenal cortical insufficiency ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to Metopirone or to any of its excipients ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Adrenal Insufficiency: May induce acute adrenal insufficiency. Ability of adrenals to respond to exogenous ACTH should be demonstrated before Metopirone is employed as a test ( 5.1 ) Dizziness and Sedation: May cause dizziness and sedation. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until these effects have passed ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Adrenal Insufficiency Metopirone may induce acute adrenal insufficiency in patients with reduced adrenal secretory capacity, as well as in patients with global pituitary insufficiency. The test should be performed in the hospital with close monitoring in case of suspected adrenal insufficiency. Ability of adrenals to respond to exogenous ACTH should be demonstrated before Metopirone is employed as a test. In the presence of hypo‑ or hyperthyroidism, response to the Metopirone test may be subnormal. If adrenocortical or anterior pituitary function is more severely compromised than indicated by the results of the test, Metopirone may trigger adrenal insufficiency. This can be corrected by giving appropriate doses of corticosteroids. 5.2 Dizziness and Sedation Metopirone may cause dizziness and sedation. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until these effects have passed.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Anticonvulsants, psychotropic, hormone preparations, corticosteroids, antithyroid agents, cyproheptadine: may affect the results of the metyrapone test. ( 7.1 ) Acetaminophen: Avoid concomitant use with Metopirone. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Metopirone Anticonvulsants, psychotropic drugs, hormone preparations, corticosteroids, antithyroid agents and cyproheptadine may affect the results of the Metopirone test. If these drugs cannot be withdrawn, the necessity of carrying out the Metopirone test should be reviewed. 7.2 Effect of Metopirone on Other Drugs Acetaminophen Metopirone inhibits the glucuronidation of acetaminophen, which may decrease elimination of acetaminophen and lead to increased risk of adverse reactions related to acetaminophen. Avoid concomitant use of Metopirone with acetaminophen.
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Metopirone were identified in clinical trials or postmarketing reports. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular System: Hypotension Gastrointestinal System: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or pain Central Nervous System: Headache, dizziness, sedation Dermatologic System: Allergic rash Hematologic System: Leukopenia, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia Adverse reactions include: hypotension, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or pain, headache, dizziness, sedation, allergic rash, leukopenia, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Direct Success Inc. at 844-597-6373 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published case series and reports on Metopirone use in pregnant females are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Metyrapone crosses the placenta and may decrease fetal cortisol production (see Data ) . Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with metyrapone. Metyrapone can decrease reproductive hormones by targeting adrenal androgenesis. Data Human Data The Metopirone test was administered to pregnant women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy and evidence was found that the fetal pituitary responded to the enzymatic block. Transplacental transfer of Metopirone has been shown in humans and the drug can impair the biosynthesis of fetal and placental steroids. There are a few published reports of low cortisol levels at birth in infants exposed in utero following chronic use of metyrapone in pregnant females.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
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