Cytadren (aminoglutethimide)

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 theproduction of a variety of hormones, including glucocorticoids,mineralocorticoids, estrogens, and androgens.

Aminoglutethimide is an anti-hormone medication. Aminoglutethimide interferes with the body's production of certain hormones.
Aminoglutethimide is used in the treatment of conditions which causethe body to make too much of certain hormones (Cushing's syndrome).
Aminoglutethimide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Cytadren inhibits the enzymatic conversion of cholesterol to Δ5-pregnenolone,resulting in a decrease in the production of adrenal glucocorticoids,mineralocorticoids, estrogens, and androgens.

   Cytadren blocks several other steps in steroid synthesis,including the C-11, C-18, and C-21 hydroxylations and thehydroxylations required for the aromatization of androgens toestrogens, mediated through the binding of Cytadren to cytochrome P-450complexes.

   A decrease in adrenal secretion of cortisol is followed by anincreased secretion of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH),which will overcome the blockade of adrenocortical steroid synthesis byCytadren. The compensatory increase in ACTH secretion can be suppressedby the simultaneous administration of hydrocortisone. Since Cytadrenincreases the rate of metabolism of dexamethasone but not that ofhydrocortisone, the latter is preferred as the adrenal glucocorticoidreplacement.

   Although Cytadren inhibits the synthesis of thyroxine by thethyroid gland, the compensatory increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) is frequently of sufficient magnitude to overcome the inhibitionof thyroid synthesis due to Cytadren. In spite of an increase in TSH,Cytadren has not been associated with increased prolactin secretion.

   Note: Cytadren was marketed previously as an anticonvulsant butwas withdrawn from marketing for that indication in 1966 because of theeffects on the adrenal gland.