Metapyron
Metapyron - General Information
An inhibitor of the enzyme steroid 11-beta-monooxygenase. It is used as a test of the feedback hypothalamic-pituitary mechanism in the diagnosis of cushing syndrome. [PubChem]
Pharmacology of Metapyron
Metopirone is an inhibitor of endogenous adrenal corticosteroid synthesis.
Metapyron for patients
Metapyron Interactions
Drugs affecting pituitary or adrenocortical function, including all corticosteroid therapy, must be discontinued prior to and during testing with Metopirone.
The metabolism of Metopirone is accelerated by phenytoin; therefore, results of the test may be inaccurate in patients taking phenytoin within two weeks before. Asubnormal response may occur in patients on estrogen therapy.
Metopirone inhibits the glucuronidation of acetaminophen and could possibly potentiate acetaminophen toxicity.
Metapyron Contraindications
Metopirone is contraindicated in patients with adrenal cortical insufficiency, or hypersensitivity to Metopirone or to any of its excipients.
Additional information about Metapyron
Metapyron Indication: Used as a diagnostic drug for testing hypothalamic-pituitary ACTH function.
Mechanism Of Action: The pharmacological effect of Metopirone is to reduce cortisol and corticosterone production by inhibiting the 11-ß-hydroxylation reaction in the adrenal cortex. Removal of the strong inhibitory feedback mechanism exerted by cortisol results in an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production by the pituitary. With continued blockade of the enzymatic steps leading to production of cortisol and corticosterone, there is a marked increase in adrenocortical secretion of their immediate precursors, 11-desoxycortisol and desoxycorticosterone, which are weak suppressors of ACTH release, and a corresponding elevation of these steroids in the plasma and of their metabolites in the urine. These metabolites are readily determined by measuring urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) or 17-ketogenic steroids (17-KGS). Because of these actions, metopirone is used as a diagnostic test, with urinary 17-OHCS measured as an index of pituitary ACTH responsiveness. Metopirone may also suppress biosynthesis of aldosterone, resulting in a mild natriuresis.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Metyrapone
Synonyms: Methapyrapone; Mepyrapone; Methbipyranone; Methopirapone; Methopyrapone; Methopyrinine; Methopyrone; Metyrapon; Metroprione
Drug Category: Antimetabolites; Enzyme Inhibitors
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Metyrapone: Metapirone; Metapyron; Metapyrone; Metopiron; Metopyrone; Metopirone;
Absorption: Absorbed rapidly and well when administered orally. Peak plasma concentrations are usually reached 1 hour after administration.
Toxicity (Overdose): Oral LD50 in rats is 521 mg/kg. One case has been recorded in which a 6-year-old girl died after two doses of Metopirone, 2 g. Symptoms of overdose include cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, dehydration, anxiety, confusion, weakness, impairment of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and diarrhea.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Hepatic. The major biotransformation is reduction of the ketone to metyrapol, an active alcohol metabolite. Metyrapone and metyrapol are both conjugated with glucuronide.
Half Life: 1.9 ±0.7 hours.
Dosage Forms of Metapyron: Capsule Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-methyl-1,2-di(pyridin-3-yl)propan-1-one
Chemical Formula: C14H14N2O
Metyrapone on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metyrapone
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals