Posted on April 28th, 2009 by

Class:  Hormonal therapy

Generic Name: Aminoglutethimide (uh-MEE-noe-gloo-TETH-I-mide)
Trade Name: Cytadren®

For which conditions is this drug approved?

Aminoglutethimide is FDA approved for the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome. 


What is the mechanism of action?

Aminoglutethimide is classified as an adrenal steroid inhibitor. Aminoglutethimide produces its effects by suppressing hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands. Normally, the hormones produced by adrenal glands stimulate the production of other hormones in the body, including estrogen, androgens, and corticosteroids. Cancer of the adrenal glands may be associated with excess steroid production in the body, which may ultimately cause Cushing’s syndrome. Aminoglutethimide suppresses the production of the steroids, resulting in a decrease in symptoms. Furthermore, estrogens and androgens may play a role in the growth of some types of cancer cells.  Inhibiting their production may reduce the growth of cancers such as hormone responsive advanced breast and prostate cancers.

How is aminoglutethimide typically given (administered)?

Aminoglutethimide is given orally in the form of a tablet. Some patients may also receive steroids while they are taking aminoglutethimide to replace the steroids normally produced by the body.

How are patients typically monitored?

Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with aminoglutethimide. Patients will typically have blood tests to monitor hormones and steroid levels in their body. Patients may also be monitored for specific signs that indicate a hormone or steroid deficiency, such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss, poor appetite, dizziness, diarrhea and weakness. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they are experiencing these symptoms.

What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with aminoglutethimide?

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Skin rash


• Problems with balance, coordination and mobility
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Jaundice
• Muscle aches
• Lung damage
• Kidney damage     



• Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
• Take tablets with food or water in divided doses to reduce the risk of nausea
• Eat small meals frequently to help alleviate nausea
• Patients may feel dizzy when getting up quickly after sitting or lying down, so getting up slowly may reduce this effect.
• Patients should avoid drinking alcohol to reduce the risk of drowsiness and dizziness.


• Patients should use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery, as aminoglutethimide may affect balance and coordination and may cause drowsiness.

When should patients notify their physician?

• Extreme weight loss
• Extreme loss of balance, coordination or dizziness
• Severe nausea
• Diarrhea
• Severe or prolonged fatigue or drowsiness
• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
• Persistant skin rash
• Allergic reaction (hives, itching, tightness of chest, fast heart beat, swelling of tongue, lips or throat, etc)

What is a package insert?


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Tags: A, Hormonal Therapy
