Acthar

Acthar - General Information

Acthar (ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a polypeptide hormone produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. It is an important player in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Pharmacology of Acthar

Acthar acts through the stimulation of cell surface ACTH receptors, which are primarily located on the adrenocortical cells. Acthar stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland and boosts the synthesis of corticosteroids, mainly glucocorticoids but also sex steroids (androgens). Acthar is also related to the circadian rhythm in many organisms.

Acthar for patients

Acthar Interactions

Corticotropin may accentuate the electrolyte loss associated with diuretic therapy.

Acthar Contraindications

Corticotropin is contraindicated in patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of or the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, hypertension, or sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin.

Additional information about Acthar

Acthar Indication: For use as a diagnostic agent in the screening of patients presumed to have adrenocortical insufficiency.
Mechanism Of Action: As a diagnostic aid (adrenocortical function), corticotropin combines with a specific receptor on the adrenal cell plasma membrane. In patients with normal adrenocortical function, it stimulates the initial reaction involved in the synthesis of adrenal steroids (including cortisol, cortisone, weak androgenic substances, and a limited quantity of aldosterone) from cholesterol by increasing the quantity of cholesterol within the mitochondria. Acthar does not significantly increase serum cortisol concentrations in patients with primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease). The mechanism of action of corticotropin in the treatment of infantile myoclonic seizures is unknown.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Corticotropin
Synonyms: ACTH; Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Adrenocorticotopin; Corticotrophin; Cortrophin
Drug Category: Diagnostic Agents
Drug Type: Biotech; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Corticotropin: ACTH; Acthar; H.P.Acthar Gel; Purified cortrophin gel; Exacthin; Acethropan; Acortan; Reacthin; Solacthyl; Tubex; Isactid;
Absorption: Corticotropin is rapidly absorbed following intramuscular administration; the repository dosage form is slowly absorbed over approximately 8 to 16 hours.
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: About 15 minutes following intravenous administration.
Dosage Forms of Acthar: Not Available
Chemical IUPAC Name: Not Available
Chemical Formula: C207H308N56O58S
Corticotropin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenocorticotropic_hormone
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals