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Brand Name :
H.P. Acthar Gel, Purified Cortrophin Gel
Synonyms :
corticotropin
Class :
Corticosteroids
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Solution
80 units/ml
Administer dose of 80 to 120 units through intramuscularly daily for 2 to 3 weeks
Administer dose of 40 to 80 units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 1 to 3 days
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Solution
80 unit/ml
For <2 years: Safety and efficacy not determined
For ≥2 years old:
Administer dose of 40 to 80 units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 1 to 3 days
Refer to adult dosing
When mometasone furoate is used together with corticotropin, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse outcomes
When corticotropin is used together with oleandomycin, this leads to enhanced concentration serum of corticotropin
When corticotropin is used together with ridaforolimus, this leads to enhanced concentration serum of corticotropin
When corticotropin is used in combination with profenamine, this leads to reduction in therapeutic effectiveness of profenamine
Immunosuppressive effects can lead to the risk of serious infections
when both drugs are combined, the risk or severity of adverse effects increases
the therapeutic activity of corticotropin may be reduced
When corticotropin is used together with lomitapide, this leads to an enhancement in lomitapide’s metabolism
When corticotropin is used together in combination with profenamine, this leads to reduction in therapeutic effectiveness of profenamine
the activity of the anthrax vaccine can be reduced when used in combination with corticotropin
When corticotropin is aided by androstenediol, that promotes an increased risk of edema
Actions and Spectrum
corticotropin stimulates the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal glands. It does this by binding to specific receptors on the surface of adrenal cortex cells.
corticotropin, also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is a peptide hormone produced and released by the anterior pituitary gland. It promotes the synthesis and secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex.
Frequency not defined
Edema
Pancreatitis
Thromboembolic disorder
Psychotic disorder
Disorder of skin
Muscle weakness
Cardiomegaly
Hyperglycemia
Peptic ulcer disease
Immune hypersensitivity reaction
Necrotizing arteritis
Decreased body growth
Congestive heart failure
Glaucoma
Post marketing Reports
Injection site reactions
Blood glucose increased
Anaphylaxis
Pancreatitis
Abdominal distention
Subdural hematoma
Intracranial hemorrhage
Hypokalemic alkalosis
Fluid retention
Ulcerative esophagitis
Headache
Vertigo
Black Box Warning
None
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindication:
Caution:
Pregnancy consideration:
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or 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 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: There is no data available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology
corticotropin is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus.
The binding of ACTH to these receptors stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoid hormones, primarily cortisol, from the adrenal cortex.
Pharmacodynamics
corticotropin promotes steroidogenesis, which is the process of synthesizing steroid hormones, including cortisol.
The binding of ACTH to its receptor on adrenal cortex cells triggers a cascade of intracellular events that ultimately lead to the synthesis and secretion of cortisol.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
corticotropin is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream after SC/IM administration.
Distribution
corticotropin is distributed throughout the body.
Metabolism
corticotropin does not undergo significant metabolic transformation in the body.
Elimination and excretion
corticotropin is excreted through renal clearance.
Administration
corticotropin administered directly into the bloodstream via a subcutaneous/ intramuscular injection.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: corticotropin
Why do we use corticotropin?
corticotropin is used to treat infantile spasms, a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy.
corticotropin is used to manage acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.
corticotropin may be used in the management of nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder characterized by heavy proteinuria.