Metyrosine capsules
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What are metyrosine capsules?
METYROSINE (Demser®) helps to control high blood pressure caused by pheochromocytoma (a noncancerous tumor of the adrenal gland). Pheochromocytoma makes the body produce too much epinephrine and norepinephrine. These substances cause high blood pressure, headaches, nausea, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Metyrosine decreases production of epinephrine and norepinephrine and can control high blood pressure before surgery to remove the tumor. Generic metyrosine capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dehydration
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metyrosine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take metyrosine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with metyrosine?
• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• levodopa
• metoclopramide
• molindone
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problem, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking metyrosine?
After you stop taking metyrosine you may have difficulty sleeping, with increased alertness and ambition. These effects are more common in patients who have experienced sedation (drowsiness) from metyrosine. The effects usually go away after two or three days.
Metyrosine can make you less mentally alert than usual. Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how metyrosine affects you. Alcohol can increase the side effects of metyrosine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metyrosine.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems.
What side effects may I notice from taking metyrosine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• anxiety
• blood in urine
• confusion
• depression
• difficulty speaking
• hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
• drooling
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• tremor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• drowsiness
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• nausea, vomiting
• sexual difficulty in males
• stomach pain
• stuffy nose
• unusual milk production in women
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
