Cosyntropin

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Cortrosyn, Synthetic ACTH

Indicated for adrenocortical insufficiency diagnosis.

Hypersensitivity to cosyntropin, synthetic ACTH, or to any excipients

Flushing

Mild fever

Pruritus

Chronic pancreatitis

Hypersensitivity

Rash

Peripheral edema

Tachycardia

Bradycardia

Adrenal hemorrhage

Anaphylactic reaction

Use caution in patients with gastrointestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, hepatic disease, infections, myasthenia gravis, ocular disease, psychiatric disturbances, osteoporosis, renal disease, thyroid disease

Reactions including anaphylaxis are possible; monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions and treat as needed

Accuracy of diagnosis can be complicated by concomitant medications taken by patient; any condition that elevates or lowers cortisol binding globulin levels may increase or decrease plasma total cortisol levels, respectively

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnant women not established; there are no adequate and well controlled studies of cosyntropin in pregnant women; therapy should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus

Lactation

Not known whether cosyntropin is excreted into human milk; because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from cosyntropin, caution should be exercised when treatment is administered to a nursing woman