Corticotropin
Corticotropin (ACTH) is a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other corticosteroids. It is primarily used to treat conditions where increased adrenal gland activity is beneficial, such as infantile spasms, certain autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, and acute multiple sclerosis exacerbations.
Corticotropin stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids and is used to treat conditions like infantile spasms, autoimmune disorders, and MS flare-ups.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- H01AA01
- RxNorm
- 214
- Generic
- Corticotropin
- Class
- atc-h01
- Brands
- Acthar, Cortrophin
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unknown
- Half-life (h)
- 0.25
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- intramuscular, subcutaneous
- Forms
- repository gel, injectable solution
- Regions
- United States, Canada
- Monitoring
- serum cortisol, blood glucose, blood pressure, electrolytes, infection signs
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 40-80 units daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily or divided twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1-2 units/kg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20-40 units daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; use only if clearly necessary
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks; close monitoring required
fetal growth monitoring and placental assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug depending on necessity; consult physician
monitor infant for adrenal suppression symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution; monitor for adverse effects
regular monitoring of blood pressure, glucose, electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing
approved for infantile spasms and other pediatric conditions; use under close supervision
monitor growth, development, and adrenal function
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentno specific adjustment; monitor closely
use with caution; renal function monitoring required
regular assessment of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid or minimize use
avoid concomitant use; increased risk of adverse effects
monitor for gastrointestinal bleeding and electrolyte imbalances
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Corticotropin
Drug class
Hormone therapy - Corticotropin (ACTH) preparations
Primary indications
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Corticotropin is used to treat infantile spasms, acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, certain rheumatic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and some severe allergic and inflammatory conditions.
Corticotropin acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate the production and release of cortisol and other glucocorticoid hormones, which have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects throughout the body.
Corticotropin is administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection. It may cause side effects similar to excessive cortisol, including weight gain, fluid retention, mood changes, and elevated blood sugar. It is contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections, active peptic ulcers, or uncontrolled infections. Close monitoring is required for patients with diabetes, hypertension, or heart conditions.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy