Metyrosine is a tyrosine 3-monooxygenase inhibitor used to treat excessive sympathetic stimulation in pheochromocytoma. An inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosine 3-monooxygenase, and consequently of the synthesis of catecholamines.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Metyrosine inhibits tyrosine hydroxylase, which catalyzes the first transformation in catecholamine biosynthesis, i.e., the conversion of tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). Because the first step is also the rate-limiting step, blockade of tyrosine hydroxylase activity results in decreased endogenous levels of catecholamines and their synthesis. This consequently, depletes the levels of the catecholamines dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body,usually measured as decreased urinary excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites. One main end result of the catecholamine depletion is a decrease in blood presure.
- Primary indication
- For use in the treatment of patients with pheochromocytoma, for preoperative preparation of patients for surgery, management of patients when surgery is contraindicated, and chronic treatment of patients with malignant pheochromocytoma.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C10H13NO3 · 195.2151 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- United States, 1979
- Also known as
- (S)-alpha-Methyltyrosine · Methyltyrosine · Metirosine
- Code names
- 357 O · L 588 · L 588357-0 · MK-781
- Brand names
Resolves to
NHTGHBARYWONDQ-JTQLQIEISA-NSMILESC[C@](N)(CC1=CC=C(O)C=C1)C(O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 12, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Metyrosine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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