What is Metyrosine ?

Metyrosine (α-methyltyrosine) is a medication primarily used to treat pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause high blood pressure. It works by inhibiting tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of catecholamines such as adrenaline, thereby reducing the production of these hormones. Metyrosine is typically employed when surgical options are not feasible or in preparation for surgical tumor removal to manage symptoms effectively.

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Stuffy nose.
• Swelling or tenderness in your hands or feet.
• Swollen breasts, or liquid discharge from your nipples.
• Blood in your urine, or painful urination.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Drooling, or dry mouth.
• Feeling unusually sleepy or tired.
• Feeling unusually sad, anxious, or confused.
• Headache.
• Men: unable to have or keep an erection.
• Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Seeing or hearing things that are not there.
• Shaking or twitching of your hands or other body parts.

• After you have stopped using this medicine, you may have trouble falling asleep at night and have an unusually high energy level. These feelings may last for 2 or 3 days.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that may be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Make sure any doctor who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.