Home/Medicines/Mitotane (o,p'-DDD)

Mitotane (o,p'-DDD)

Prescription

Adrenolytic Agent

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Selectively destroys the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex (adrenocorticolytic), reducing cortisol production. Does not affect the zona glomerulosa (aldosterone) at standard doses. Used for Cushing's disease (PDH and ADH).

At a glance

Class

Adrenolytic Agent

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature; handle with gloves (potential human health hazard)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

Dose

25–50 mg/kg

Route

PO (with fatty food)

Frequency

q12h (loading); weekly (maintenance)

🐈

Cat

Feline Cushing's is rare

Dose

25–50 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; handle with gloves (potential human health hazard)

Safety

Monitoring parameters

ACTH stimulation test at day 7–10 of loading, then monthly initiallyElectrolytes (Na, K — Addisonian crisis)Liver enzymesClinical signsHave prednisone available for emergency replacement

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Spironolactone

major

Mitotane destroys adrenal cortex. Spironolactone blocks remaining aldosterone activity. Combined: severe mineralocorticoid deficiency (hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypotension).

Management: Avoid. If diuretic needed during mitotane therapy, use furosemide (not potassium-sparing diuretic).

Moderate — 2

Phenobarbital

moderate

Both are CYP enzyme inducers. Phenobarbital may accelerate mitotane metabolism, reducing its adrenolytic efficacy.

Management: May need higher mitotane dose. Monitor ACTH stimulation test response closely.

Prednisolone

moderate

Mitotane destroys adrenal cortex. Exogenous prednisolone needed for Addisonian crisis but interferes with ACTH stim test interpretation.

Management: Keep prednisolone available for emergencies. Withhold prednisolone 24h before ACTH stim tests for mitotane monitoring.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Lysodren

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Mitotane (o,p'-DDD)?

Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) is a adrenolytic agent used in pets. Selectively destroys the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex (adrenocorticolytic), reducing cortisol production. Does not affect the zona glomerulosa (aldosterone) at standard doses. Used for Cushing's disease (PDH and ADH).

›What is Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) used for in pets?

Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism; Feline Cushing's is rare.

›What is the Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) dose for dogs?

For dogs, Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) is typically dosed as follows — Used for pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism: 25–50 mg/kg PO (with fatty food) q12h (loading); weekly (maintenance). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) dose for cats?

For cats, Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) is typically dosed as follows — Feline Cushing's is rare: 25–50 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) need a prescription?

Yes. Mitotane (o,p'-DDD) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database