This is an automatically translated article.
Cytadren is known as a prescription medication, used in the treatment of symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. In this article, we will learn more about the use of Cytadren and important notes when using it.
1. What is Cytadren?
Cytadren is a drug made in the form of aminoglutethimide tablets USP, and also an inhibitor of steroid synthesis in the adrenal cortex, the content of 250mg for oral use. Cytadren belongs to the group of drugs that inhibit adrenal corticosteroids, which can be used alone or in combination with certain other drugs.
Aminoglutethimide USP is a fine, creamy white or off-white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in most organic solvents. It can form water soluble salt together with strong acid, molecular weight is 232.28.
2. What are the uses of Cytadren?
Cytadren (aminoglutethimide) is commonly used to suppress adrenal function in patients with Cushing's syndrome. The results showed that the morning plasma cortisol levels of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and ectopic ACTH-producing tumors fell on average by about half of pre-treatment levels. For patients with adrenal hyperplasia, the decrease in the pre-treatment level is about 2-3 months, within 1-3 months of using Cytadren (aminoglutethimide).On the other hand, available data in some patients with adrenal tumors have shown that plasma cortisol levels are similarly reduced. Results from plasma cortisol measurements indicate a reduction of at least 50% from baseline or return to normal for 1⁄3 or more of the patients studied. The data also depends on the time of measurement and the diagnostic group.
Since Cytadren (aminoglutethimide) does not interfere with the underlying disease, it is used primarily as a temporary measure, until more definitive therapies can be implemented. such as: Surgery or when such therapies are not appropriate. Only a small number of patients were treated for longer than 3 months.
Decreased effects or “escapes” appear to be more frequent in patients with pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome. This phenomenon may be due to increased ACTH levels in response to a decrease in glucocorticoid concentrations. Therefore, Cytadren is often indicated for the treatment of certain types of tumors affecting the adrenal cortex. In addition, it is also used when the adrenal cortex is overactive and the possibility of cancer has been ruled out. Sometimes Cytadren is also used to treat certain other conditions based on a doctor's prescription (only for patients who respond to treatment).
3. Dosage and usage
Cytadren is only available with a doctor's prescription, the dosage also varies from patient to individual. Patients should strictly follow the doctor's prescription or the manufacturer's instructions. The following dosage information is an average of the drug, if your dose is different, do not change it unless directed by your doctor. Reference dosage:
The course of treatment should be carried out at the hospital until a stable dosage regimen is reached. Patients should start with 250mg orally 4 times a day, 6 hours apart. The responsiveness of the adrenal cortex should be carefully monitored for plasma cortisol levels, until the desired level of suppression is achieved.
If the suppression of cortisol is insufficient, the dose may be increased in increments of 250 mg per day, over a period of 1 to 2 weeks until the total daily dose reaches 2 g. In the event of adverse events such as excessive drowsiness, excessively low cortisol levels or severe skin rash, dose reduction or temporary discontinuation of treatment may be required.
If the skin rash persists for more than 5-8 days or becomes increasingly severe, the patient should stop taking the drug. Therapy can then be reinstated with a lower dose when the mild rash disappears or is moderate. In addition, mineralocorticoid replacement (eg, fludrocortisone) may be necessary. In cases where glucocorticoid replacement therapy is required, 20 - 30 mg of hydrocortisone taken in the morning will replace endogenous secretion.
When the patient misses a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, when it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled, never making up for it by doubling the dose.
4. Note when using
4.1. Side effects Some side effects when using Cytadren that patients may experience such as:
Serious side effects: Shortness of breath, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, dizziness, paleness of the face you fainted. Patients should get immediate medical help if they develop any of the symptoms listed above. Common side effects: Drowsiness, weakness, poor coordination, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, itching, rash. These are not all the possible side effects of using Cytadren, for detailed information, ask your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider.
4.2. Precautions for use Before deciding to use Cytadren, patients need to be weighed against the risks and benefits that the drug process brings. Therefore, the patient should notify the doctor to be considered in the following cases:
Allergies: It is necessary to inform the doctor if the patient has ever experienced hypersensitivity, unusual reactions or allergies to this or other drugs. Also tell your doctor if you have any other allergies to animals, dyes, foods, preservatives... Pediatrics: Aminoglutethimide has been tested on a limited number of children. . However, the effect of Aminoglutethimide on this population is difficult to determine, because it is used in combination with many other drugs. Elderly: Lack of energy is more likely to occur in the elderly group, because they are often more sensitive to the effects of Aminoglutethimide. Breastfeeding: There are no adequate studies in nursing women to determine the risk to the infant when using this drug. Therefore, it is necessary to weigh the benefits with the possible risks before taking the drug. 4.3. Drug Interactions While there are some drugs that should absolutely not be used together, in many cases two different drugs can be taken together even if they do interact. In these cases, the doctor will change the dosage accordingly or take other precautions.
When a patient is taking Cytadren, the doctor needs to know if he or she is taking any of the following medicines. The interactions listed are selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using the drug in combination with the following drugs increases the risk of side effects, but taking both is the best treatment. If both medicines are prescribed together, the doctor will change the dose or frequency so that the patient takes either the single or both drugs. Includes:
Acenocoumarol Dexamethasone Digitoxin Theophylline Warfarin In addition, Cytadren can also interact with alcohol, tobacco or certain foods. Please discuss with your doctor if you intend to use alcohol, tobacco and foods while taking this medicine.
Above are important information about Cytadren that we need to know. To ensure the best effect that the drug brings as well as the safety for the patient, consult your doctor, pharmacist before use.
