Medications and Drugs

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Demser

Generic Name: metyrosine (Pronunciation: me TYE roe seen)

• What is metyrosine (Demser)?
• What are the possible side effects of metyrosine (Demser)?
• What is the most important information I should know about metyrosine (Demser)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metyrosine (Demser)?
• How should I take metyrosine (Demser)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Demser)?
• What happens if I overdose (Demser)?
• What should I avoid while taking metyrosine (Demser)?
• What other drugs will affect metyrosine (Demser)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is metyrosine (Demser)?

Metyrosine is used to treat pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Metyrosine is given before surgery to control pheochromocytoma, and is also given when surgery is not possible.

Metyrosine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of metyrosine (Demser)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• drooling;
• difficulty speaking;
• tremors;
• muscle spasms;
• disorientation;
• diarrhea; or
• painful urination.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• drowsiness;
• depression, hallucinations, disorientation, and confusion;
• stomach upset, vomiting, stomach pain; or
• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about metyrosine (Demser)?

Metyrosine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of metyrosine.

Call your doctor at once if you have confusion, trouble speaking, tremors, drooling, diarrhea, or painful urination.

Drink plenty of fluid every day--at least six to eight full glasses (8 ounces)--to prevent metyrosine crystals from forming in your urine.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.