corticorelin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

corticorelin is a synthetic peptide that mimics the corticotropin-releasing hormone’s effects (CRH). CRH is a peptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus that regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for the body’s response to stress. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

>10%: 

Flushing of the upper body parts 

1-10%: 

Dyspnea 

<1%: 

Asystole 

Dizziness 

Tachycardia 

Vomiting 

Xerostomia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

It is essential to follow the dosage and administration instructions for the medication carefully.  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

corticorelin should not be used in people hypersensitive to the drug itself.  

It is also contraindicated with heparin. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the presence of the drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

corticorelin’s main pharmacological action is to stimulate the release of ACTH and cortisol. ACTH then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol. This cascade of events leads to the activation of the HPA axis, responsible for the body’s response to stress. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

corticorelin also has been shown to influence the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output. 

Pharmacokinetics:  

The pharmacokinetics of corticorelin refers to how the body processes and eliminates the drug. It needs to be better studied as it is not an approved drug for medical use. 

Absorption 

corticorelin is rapidly absorbed after subcutaneous or intranasal administration. 

Distribution 

The onset of action is 2 minutes 

The release time of ACTH is 15-60 minutes. 

Metabolism 

The liver metabolizes the drug. 

Elimination and excretion 

The drug is excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

corticorelin is used by reconstituting the powder aseptically with 2 ml of normal saline. Just swirl the vial. Do not shake. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: corticorelin 

Pronounced: KOR-ti-koe-REL-in 

Why do we use corticorelin? 

corticorelin is used to diagnose Cushing Syndrome.