Trilostane is a synthetic steroidal drug used to treat Cushing's disease in dogs, a hormonal disorder caused by the overproduction of cortisol. It works by blocking the enzyme 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-beta-HSD), which is responsible for the production of cortisol. Unlike other treatments for Cushing's disease, Trilostane does not require lifelong treatment and can be discontinued after the cortisol levels have returned to normal. The most common side effects of Trilostane include depression, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and increased thirst.
Trilostane, sold under brand names like Vetoryl among others, is a medication primarily used in veterinary medicine for treating Cushing's syndrome in dogs. It has a different history in human medicine.
Here's a breakdown of trilostane's uses:
- Veterinary medicine: It effectively treats canine Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism), a condition caused by excessive hormone production by the adrenal glands.
- Human medicine (historical): Trilostane was previously used to treat Cushing's syndrome, Conn's syndrome (a type of adrenal gland disorder), and even postmenopausal breast cancer in humans. However, it was withdrawn from the human market in the United States around the 1990s.
How it works:
- Mechanism: Trilostane acts as a steroidogenesis inhibitor, specifically targeting an enzyme called 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD).
- Impact: By inhibiting 3β-HSD, trilostane blocks the conversion of certain precursor molecules into essential steroid hormones, including cortisol (a glucocorticoid) and to a lesser extent, mineralocorticoids and sex hormones.
Things to know about trilostane:
- Administration: It's typically taken orally by mouth.
- Efficacy in dogs: Studies report good control of clinical signs in a significant portion of treated dogs, although the exact percentage varies.
- Side effects in dogs: While generally well-tolerated, some potential side effects include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite during initial therapy. These are usually mild and temporary.
- Human use: Due to its withdrawal from the human market, it's not recommended for human use unless under exceptional circumstances and with close supervision by a medical professional.