corticotropin

Action and Spectrum

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.  

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Edema 

Pancreatitis 

Thromboembolic disorder 

Hypertension 

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

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• corticotropin products should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to its components. 
• corticotropin contraindicated in individuals with active peptic ulcer disease. 

Caution: 

• Individuals with a history of osteoporosis should use corticotropin with caution. 
• corticotropin should be used cautiously in individuals with diabetes.  
• Individuals with a history of psychiatric conditions should be monitored closely.

Pregnancy / Lactation

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

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.

Adminstartion

Administration 

corticotropin administered directly into the bloodstream via a subcutaneous/ intramuscular injection.

Patient Information Leaflet

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.