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General Medication Fact Sheet for Cortrosyn
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Cortrosyn |
| Generic Name | Cosyntropin |
| Purpose | Synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) used to diagnose adrenal gland disorders. |
| Mechanism of Action | Stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, aldosterone, and other adrenal steroids. |
| Dosage Forms | Injection (lyophilized powder for reconstitution) |
| Available Strengths | 0.25 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Single dose, administered intravenously or intramuscularly. |
| Common Side Effects | Mild injection site reactions (pain, redness), flushing, mild hypertension. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), fluid retention, worsening of pre-existing conditions (e.g., heart failure), hypertension. |
| Drug Interactions | Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), diuretics, digoxin, potassium-depleting agents. |
| Important Notes | Administered by a healthcare professional. Monitor blood pressure during and after administration. Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cosyntropin or ACTH. |
| Storage | Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 24 hours. |
| Missed Dose | Not applicable, as it is a single-dose diagnostic agent administered by a healthcare professional. |
| Alternatives | Metyrapone, Insulin Tolerance Test, CRH Stimulation Test |
Cortrosyn Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metyrapone | Inhibits cortisol synthesis | Used to assess the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. |
| Insulin Tolerance Test | Induces hypoglycemia to stimulate cortisol release | Gold standard test, but carries risks associated with hypoglycemia. |
| CRH Stimulation Test | Stimulates ACTH release from the pituitary gland | Used to differentiate between pituitary and ectopic ACTH secretion. |
Cortrosyn Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Mild injection site reactions (pain, redness) | Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
| Flushing | Fluid retention |
| Mild hypertension | Worsening of pre-existing conditions (e.g., heart failure) |
| Hypertension |
Cortrosyn Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrenocortical Insufficiency Diagnosis | 0.25 mg | Not applicable | Administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Cortisol levels are measured before and after administration. |
Cortrosyn Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $40 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $800 – $1000 |
