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metopirone

Metopirone (Metyrapone) is a medication supplied as a capsule, gelatin coated.

Metyrapone · by Esteve

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Metyrapone
Form
Capsule
Strength
Metyrapone 250MG
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Esteve
FDA application
NDA012911

What is Metopirone?

From the FDA label:Metopirone (metyrapone capsules) is an adrenal steroid synthesis inhibitor, 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 226.27. Inactive Ingredients : Ethyl vanillin, gelatin, glycerol, macrogol 400, macrogol 4000, paramethoxy acetophenone, purified water, sodium ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium propyl parahydroxybenzoate, titanium dioxide, + red ink (aluminum chloride hexahydrate, carminic acid, hypromellose, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide). Chemical Structure

How to use

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…

Side effects

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.

Warnings

Important safety information

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.

Who should not take Metopirone

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 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Death occurred in a child after two doses of Metopirone 2 g. Signs and Symptoms of Overdosage The clinical picture of overdosage with Metopirone is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms and by signs of acute adrenal insufficiency. Cardiovascular System : Cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, dehydration. Nervous System and Muscles : Anxiety, confusion, weakness, impairment of consciousness. Gastrointestinal System: Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, diarrhea. Laboratory Findings: Hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hyperkalemia. In patients under treatment with insulin or oral antidiabetics, the signs and symptoms of acute overdosage with Metopirone may be aggravated or modified. Treatment and Management of Overdosage There is no specific antidote for Metopirone overdosage. Immediate treatment is essential in the management of Metopirone overdose. Treatment with activated charcoal may be considered if the overdose has been taken within 1 hour. In addition to general measures, hydrocortisone should be administered at once, together with IV saline and glucose. This should be repeated as necessary in accordance with the patient's clinical condition. For a few days blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance should be monitored. Consult with a regional poison control center (1-800-222-1222) for additional treatment recommendations.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

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.

Storing Metopirone, and how long it keeps

Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.

  • Store Metopirone bottles at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dosage forms

Capsule

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a coupon or discount for Metopirone?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Metopirone. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Metopirone?
Metopirone is marketed by Esteve. You can see Esteve's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Metopirone a brand-name or generic drug?
Metopirone is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Metyrapone.
Is Metopirone available over the counter?
No. Metopirone is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Metopirone come in?
Metopirone is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Metopirone FDA-registered?
Metopirone is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA012911. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Metopirone safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Metopirone. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Metopirone?
Metopirone's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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