On this page
Metopirone
Metyrapone · Capsule, Gelatin Coated
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metyrapone | 250 mg/1 | 105450 | — |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| 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| 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 BookCodes 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| 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 LabelingReproduced 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.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingIndications and Usage ( 1 ) 09/2022 Dosage and Administration, Single-Dose Short Test ( 2.2 ) 09/2022
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 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 Labeling2 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 Labeling3 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 Labeling4 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 Labeling5 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 Labeling6 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 Labeling7 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 Labeling8 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 Labeling12.1 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 Labeling11 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
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 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 Labeling16 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 FAERSAttributed 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| 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
| 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.