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Metyrosine is available as a 250 mg oral capsule.

Metyrosine is a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor and is used for the following:

• Treatment of pheochromocytoma for:
• Preparation for surgery to remove the tumors
• People who aren’t able to have surgery
• Long-term treatment of people with malignant pheochromocytoma (cancer)

Metyrosine is a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, meaning it blocks a protein in the body called tyrosine hydroxylase. This protein is responsible for making hormones called catecholamines. People who have pheochromocytoma have tumors that make too many of these catecholamines. So Metyrosine works by lowering the amount of catecholamines that are made. This can reduce the symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and a fast heart beat.

Metyrosine is dosed as follows:

• Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical starting dose is 250 mg by mouth 4 times a day. Your provider will adjust your dose based on your response to the medication. The maximum dose is 4 grams per day
• How long you take Metyrosine depends on what you’re using the medication for

Metyrosine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.

Common side effects of Metyrosine:

• Drowsiness
• Drooling
• Difficulty speaking
• Shakiness
• Diarrhea

Serious side effects are rare with Metyrosine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

• Mental health changes: depression, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there), confusion
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS): drooling, trouble speaking, tremor, muscle spasms, tightness in your jaw
• Low blood cell counts: feeling tired, paleness, blood in urine or stool, unexplained bruising
• Severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling in the throat, trouble breathing

The following medications may interact with Metyrosine:

• Caution should be observed in administering Metyrosine to patients receiving phenothiazines or haloperidol because the extrapyramidal effects of these drugs can be expected to be potentiated by inhibition of catecholamine synthesis
• Concurrent use of Metyrosine with alcohol or other CNS depressants can increase their sedative effects

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

It is not known if Metyrosine will harm your unborn baby. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Demser