Why is metyrapone generally avoided in pregnancy?

Why is metyrapone generally avoided in pregnancy?

• A. It causes fetal hyperglycemia
• B. It disrupts steroid synthesis and can affect fetal development
• C. It increases maternal blood pressure
• D. It has no effect; it's safe

Answer: (B)

Metyrapone blocks 11β-hydroxylase in the adrenal steroid synthesis pathway, which lowers cortisol production and shunts precursors downstream. In pregnancy, disruption of fetal and placental steroid synthesis can interfere with fetal adrenal function and key developmental processes, making this drug harmful to the fetus. That direct the reason it’s avoided. The other options don’t fit: the drug’s main concern isn’t fetal hyperglycemia ( cortisol deficiency tends to lower glucose and can risk hypoglycemia), and it’s not known for reliably increasing maternal blood pressure. Overall, it’s not considered safe in pregnancy due to potential adverse effects on fetal steroidogenesis and development.

Metyrapone blocks 11β-hydroxylase in the adrenal steroid synthesis pathway, which lowers cortisol production and shunts precursors downstream. In pregnancy, disruption of fetal and placental steroid synthesis can interfere with fetal adrenal function and key developmental processes, making this drug harmful to the fetus. That direct the reason it’s avoided.

The other options don’t fit: the drug’s main concern isn’t fetal hyperglycemia ( cortisol deficiency tends to lower glucose and can risk hypoglycemia), and it’s not known for reliably increasing maternal blood pressure. Overall, it’s not considered safe in pregnancy due to potential adverse effects on fetal steroidogenesis and development.