What is Cosyntropin?

Cosyntropin is a synthetic portion of a natural substance made by the body, the hormone corticotrophin. It is used as an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test in the diagnosis of problems with the adrenal gland, such as Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency and tumors. By stimulating the adrenal cortex, it causes it to secrete and produce adrenocortical hormones.

This medication is given by an injection in the patient's vein or muscle by a licensed healthcare professional. The injection might be administered quickly or mixed with a solution and slowly given over a period of about six hours as directed by a doctor. A blood sample will be taken before and 30 minutes after the cosyntropin to test for the patient’s disease. Some tests might require the patient to submit blood or urine samples at different times to check for a reaction to cosyntropin.

Minor side effects of this injection might include redness or swelling of the injection site. If these problems become severe or are long in duration, patients should contact their doctors. Rare side effects might include rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing and dizziness. Patients who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding should tell their doctor before receiving this injection. Cosyntropin should be used during pregnancy only when it is clearly needed. Before using this injection, patients should discuss their medical history, medications and allergies with their doctor. This includes vitamins and herbal supplements.

This injection should not be used for patients who have had allergies to any of the ingredients in cosyntropin or who are using medications such as interleukin-2. The risk of side effects might be increased by the use of medications such as itraconazole, anticoagulants or interleukin-2. Cosyntropin also might lessen the effectiveness of these medications.

In some cases, cosyntropin can be used at home, and when using the injection at home, patients should follow the instructions showed to them by a health care professional. The injection should not be used if it appears cloudy or discolored or if it contains particles. It should be stored at a temperature of 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit (15-30 degrees Celsius), out of the reach of children and away from excess light or moisture. After the product is mixed, it should be used immediately. Medication should not be flushed in a toilet or poured down a drain unless a person is instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.