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Metopirone

Metyrapone · Capsule, Gelatin Coated

Prescription NDA RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Metopirone
Generic name
Metyrapone
Dosage form
Capsule, Gelatin Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
HRA Pharma Rare Diseases
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Metyrapone 250 mg/1 105450 —

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule, Gelatin Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Adrenal Steroid Synthesis Inhibitor [EPC] EPC 1 member — no class page
Adrenal Steroid Synthesis Inhibitors [MoA] MoA 1 member — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
012911
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
December 4, 1961
Sponsor
ESTEVE
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
25
Products approved under application 012911.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
012911-001 METOPIRONE TABLET METYRAPONE Discontinued —
012911-002 METOPIRONE CAPSULE METYRAPONE Prescription — RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
—
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 012911.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 39 Labeling Approved July 25, 2023 Standard
Supplement 38 Labeling Approved September 8, 2022 Standard
Supplement 36 Labeling Approved February 20, 2020 Standard
Supplement 35 Labeling Approved October 22, 2018 Standard
Supplement 34 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 14, 2014 Priority
Supplement 32 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 20, 2013 Priority
Supplement 33 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 5, 2013 Priority
Supplement 31 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 28, 2013 Priority
Supplement 30 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 19, 2013 Priority
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved November 4, 2010 Standard
Supplement 23 Labeling Approved May 7, 2004 Standard
Supplement 20 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 21, 1999 Priority
Supplement 19 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 9, 1999 Priority
Supplement 18 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 27, 1996 Priority
Supplement 17 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 9, 1995 Priority
Supplement 16 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 12, 1992 Priority
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 26, 1992 Priority
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved March 13, 1992 —
Supplement 13 Labeling Approved February 10, 1986 —
Supplement 12 Labeling Approved January 10, 1986 —
Supplement 11 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 29, 1984 Priority
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved January 17, 1983 —
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 3, 1978 Priority
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved March 2, 1976 —
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved December 4, 1961 Priority

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · July 27, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · July 26, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · September 10, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 27, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · February 21, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · October 24, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · October 23, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · March 4, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · March 4, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · November 8, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · May 7, 2004

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260519). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260519

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 09/2022 Dosage and Administration, Single-Dose Short Test ( 2.2 ) 09/2022

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

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

openFDA Drug Labeling

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.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsules: Metopirone 250 mg soft gelatin, white to yellowish‐white, oblong, opaque, imprinted with "M01" on one side in red ink. Capsules: 250 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

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 Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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 Esteve Pharmaceuticals, S.A. at 1-888-306-6259 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 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. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Metyrapone and its active metabolite, metyrapol, are present in human milk. There are no available data on the effects of metyrapone on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Metopirone and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Metopirone or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Metopirone is indicated, in combination with other diagnostic tests, for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in pediatric patients [See Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Metopirone did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between patients 65 years of age and older and younger adult patients. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment Patients with cirrhosis may have an impaired response to Metopirone.

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action The pharmacological effect of Metopirone is to reduce cortisol and corticosterone production by inhibiting the 11-beta-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.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION 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

10 OVERDOSAGE 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.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Metopirone (metyrapone capsules) are supplied as 250 mg soft gelatin, white to yellowish‐white, oblong, opaque capsules, imprinted with "M01" on one side in red ink. Bottle of 18 capsules: NDC 68118-455-18 Storage and Handling 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]. Keep container tightly closed and protect from heat and moisture.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
977
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: METYRAPONE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
68118-455-18 68118-455 ESTEVE PHARMACEUTICALS, S.A. 18 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE (68118-455-18) January 25, 1962
76336-455-18 76336-455 HRA Pharma Rare Diseases 18 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE (76336-455-18) January 25, 1962
68118-455 68118-455 ESTEVE PHARMACEUTICALS, S.A. — January 25, 1962
76336-455 76336-455 HRA Pharma Rare Diseases — January 25, 1962

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.