Drug Groups

approved

Description

A derivative of the insecticide dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane that specifically inhibits cells of the adrenal cortex and their production of hormones. It is used to treat adrenocortical tumors and causes CNS damage, but no bone marrow depression. [PubChem]

Indication

For treatment of inoperable adrenocortical tumours; Cushing's syndrome

Pharmacology

Mitotane is an oral chemotherapeutic agent indicated in the treatment of inoperable adrenal cortical carcinoma of both functional and nonfunctional types. Mitotane can best be described as an adrenal cytotoxic agent, although it can cause adrenal inhibition, apparently without cellular destruction. The administration of Mitotane alters the extra-adrenal metabolism of cortisol in man; leading to a reduction in measurable 17-hydroxy corticosteroids, even though plasma levels of corticosteroids do not fall. The drug apparently causes increased formation of 6-B-hydroxyl cortisol.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic and renal

Absorption

About 40% oral Lysodren is absorbed

Half Life

18-159 days

Protein Binding

6%

Elimination

A variable amount of metabolite (1%-17%) is excreted in the bile and the balance is apparently stored in the tissues.

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