Corticotropin (ACTH, Adrenocorticotropin, Corticotrophin)(kor ti koe troe’ pin)
Repository injection: H.P. Acthar Gel
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Anterior pituitary hormone
Diagnostic agent
Therapeutic Actions
Stimulates the adrenal cortex to synthesize and secrete adrenocortical hormones.
Indications
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Allergic states unresponsive to conventional treatments
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Therapy of some glucocorticoid-sensitive disorders
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Nonsuppurative thyroiditis
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Hypercalcemia associated with cancer
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Acute exacerbations of MS
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Tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block
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Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement
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Rheumatic, collagen, dermatologic, allergic, ophthalmologic, respiratory, hematologic, edematous, and GI diseases
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Palliative management of leukemias, lymphomas
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Unlabeled use: Treatment of infantile spasms
Contraindications and Cautions
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Contraindicated with adrenocortical insufficiency or hyperfunction; infections, especially systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex; scleroderma, osteoporosis; recent surgery; heart failure, hypertension; allergy to pork or pork products (corticotropin is isolated from porcine pituitaries); liver disease; ulcerative colitis with impending perforation; recent GI surgery; active or latent peptic ulcer; inflammatory bowel disease; hypothyroidism; pregnancy, lactation.
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Use cautiously with mental disturbances, diabetes, diverticulitis, renal impairment, myasthenia gravis.
Available Forms
Repository injection—80 units/mL
Dosages
Adults
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Therapy: 40–80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24–72 hr; when indicated, gradually reduce dosage by increasing intervals between injections or decreasing the dose injected, or both.
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Acute exacerbations of MS: 80–120 units/day IM for 2–3 wk.
Pediatric patients
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