GENERIC NAME: AMINOGLUTETHIMIDE - ORAL (am-EE-no-glue-TETH-uh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Cytadren
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Aminoglutethimide is used to treat Cushing's syndrome and certain types of cancer.
HOW TO USE: This medication must be taken exactly as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's permission. Your dose may be changed frequently at first to find the best effective dose for you. If side effects become a problem, your dose will be adjusted.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite during the first few weeks of treatment. As your body adjusts to the medication, the symptoms will disappear. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following while taking this medication: fainting, rapid heartbeat, itching, skin rashes, yellowing of the eyes or skin, breathing difficulties. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness as this medication may cause dizziness and drowsiness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication must be used under close medical supervision. Laboratory test will be done periodically to check the effects of this medication. Aminoglutethimide is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: chickenpox, shingles (herpes zoster), infection, kidney or liver disease, underactive thyroid. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread.
- Cushing's Syndrome - Learn about Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol. Symptoms include obesity, a rounded face, increased fat around the face, and a thinning of the arms and legs.
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