DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Aminoglutethimide (ah-MEE-no-glue-TETH-ih-mide)
Brand Name: Cytadren

Cytadren is used for:

Treating Cushing syndrome in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cytadren is an adrenal steroid inhibitor. It works by blocking the production of a variety of hormones, including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, estrogens, and androgens.

Do NOT use Cytadren if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cytadren or to similar medications (eg, glutethimide)
• you have shingles or chickenpox

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cytadren :

Some medical conditions may interact with Cytadren . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have an infection or the blood disease porphyria
• if you are having surgery or you have been injured

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cytadren . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), corticosteroids (eg, dexamethasone), or digitoxin because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cytadren may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cytadren :

Use Cytadren as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Cytadren may be taken with or without food.
• Cytadren will initially be given in a hospital setting by a health care provider who is familiar with its use.
• If you miss a dose of Cytadren , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cytadren .

Important safety information:

• Cytadren may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Cytadren . Using Cytadren alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Cytadren may cause dizziness or weakness. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects from Cytadren . Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Cytadren .
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Cytadren .
• Contact your doctor if you experience injury, infection, or illness. Your body may not respond as well to these situations, and you may need to begin taking oral corticosteroids to help your body heal.
• LAB TESTS, including liver function, thyroid levels, complete blood cell counts, and electrolyte levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Cytadren with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Cytadren with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Cytadren has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Cytadren during pregnancy. It is unknown if Cytadren is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Cytadren .

Possible side effects of Cytadren :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; headache; loss of appetite; muscle pain or weakness; nausea; rash; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; severe or prolonged dizziness; unusual tiredness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include extreme weakness; increase or decrease in breathing rate; loss of consciousness; severe or prolonged drowsiness or dizziness; severe or prolonged nausea or vomiting; unusual tiredness.

Proper storage of Cytadren :

Store Cytadren below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cytadren out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Cytadren , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Cytadren is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cytadren . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.