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Metyrapone (Oral Route)
Drug Information provided by: MicromedexUS Brand Names
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Description
Metyrapone is used in the diagnosis of certain problems of the adrenal glands. These glands are located near the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce a steroid chemical called cortisol (hydrocortisone) that helps the body respond to stress or illness. From the results of a metyrapone test, your doctor will be able to tell if your adrenal glands produce the correct amount of cortisol under stress or during illnesses.
How test is done: Metyrapone is taken by mouth in one or more doses the day before the testing is done. The next day, blood and/or urine samples are taken. A tube called a catheter may be placed in your bladder to help take the urine sample. The amount of hormones in your blood or urine is measured. Then the results of the test are studied.
Metyrapone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Metyrapone is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, metyrapone is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
- Cushing's syndrome (diagnosis and treatment)
Since treatment for Cushing's syndrome may require longer therapy, side effects are more likely to occur.
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