Approved & therapeutic
Cosyntropin
Cortrosyn, Synacthen, Tetracosactide
Cosyntropin is a synthetic peptide comprising the first 24 amino acids of adrenocorticotropic hormone, used diagnostically to assess adrenocortical function. It is the standard reagent for the ACTH stimulation test.
Also known as: Cortrosyn, Synacthen, tetracosactide, tetracosactrin, ACTH 1-24
- Status
- Cosyntropin is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information.
- Evidence
- Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
- Half-life
- Approximately 15 minutes; the cortisol response is measured at 30 and 60 minutes.
- How it's taken
- Intravenous or intramuscular injection in a diagnostic setting
- Mechanism
- Other
How Cosyntropin works
The first 24 residues of ACTH carry its full biological activity at the melanocortin 2 receptor on the adrenal cortex. Administering cosyntropin and measuring the cortisol response at fixed intervals tests whether the adrenal cortex can respond — distinguishing primary adrenal insufficiency, where it cannot, from secondary or tertiary causes, where an atrophied but intact adrenal will usually respond.
What research has looked at
- The standard diagnostic tool for adrenal insufficiency, with an established interpretation framework.
- Removing the terminal amino acids of ACTH substantially reduces immunogenicity compared with the full-length animal-derived hormone.
- The test is short, and dexamethasone can be given beforehand without interfering with the cortisol assay if treatment cannot wait for the result.
Evidence level: Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including rare anaphylaxis, particularly in patients with a history of allergy to natural ACTH.
- It is a diagnostic agent, not a treatment for adrenal insufficiency — a normal result does not exclude recent-onset secondary adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal has not yet atrophied.
- Interpretation depends on the cortisol assay used; modern specific assays have shifted the accepted diagnostic thresholds downward from older cut-offs.
- Transient flushing and injection-site reactions.
Sources
- FDA approved-drug listing for cosyntropin · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- DailyMed prescribing information for cosyntropin · NIH · DailyMed
- PubMed research on cosyntropin ACTH stimulation test · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for cosyntropin · DrugBank
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Cosyntropin FAQ
What is Cosyntropin?
Cosyntropin is a synthetic peptide comprising the first 24 amino acids of adrenocorticotropic hormone, used diagnostically to assess adrenocortical function. It is the standard reagent for the ACTH stimulation test.
How does Cosyntropin work?
The first 24 residues of ACTH carry its full biological activity at the melanocortin 2 receptor on the adrenal cortex. Administering cosyntropin and measuring the cortisol response at fixed intervals tests whether the adrenal cortex can respond — distinguishing primary adrenal insufficiency, where it cannot, from secondary or tertiary causes, where an atrophied but intact adrenal will usually respond.
Is Cosyntropin FDA approved?
Yes. Cosyntropin is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information. Evidence level: approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
What is the half-life of Cosyntropin?
Reported half-life: Approximately 15 minutes; the cortisol response is measured at 30 and 60 minutes.
How is Cosyntropin taken?
Intravenous or intramuscular injection in a diagnostic setting.
What side effects have been reported with Cosyntropin?
Reported in the sources: Hypersensitivity reactions, including rare anaphylaxis, particularly in patients with a history of allergy to natural ACTH; It is a diagnostic agent, not a treatment for adrenal insufficiency — a normal result does not exclude recent-onset secondary adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal has not yet atrophied; Interpretation depends on the cortisol assay used; modern specific assays have shifted the accepted diagnostic thresholds downward from older cut-offs; Transient flushing and injection-site reactions.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.