Description and Brand Names
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
US Brand Name
- Cortrosyn
Descriptions
Cosyntropin injection is used to help diagnose adrenal gland problems. Cosyntropin injection is a man-made form of a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that is normally produced by the pituitary gland.
This medicine is to be used only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Before Using
In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also, other things may affect test results. For this test, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of cosyntropin injection in children. Safety and efficacy have been established.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of cosyntropin injection in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this diagnostic test, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Receiving this diagnostic test with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
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Alclometasone
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Amcinonide
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Balofloxacin
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Beclomethasone
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Besifloxacin
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Betamethasone
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Budesonide
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Bupropion
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Chlorotrianisene
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Ciclesonide
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Ciprofloxacin
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Clobetasol
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Clobetasone
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Clocortolone
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Conjugated Estrogens
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Conjugated Estrogens Synthetic A
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Conjugated Estrogens Synthetic B
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Cortisone
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Deflazacort
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Desonide
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Desoximetasone
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Dexamethasone
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Dienestrol
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Diethylstilbestrol
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Diflorasone
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Diflucortolone
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Difluprednate
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Enoxacin
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Esterified Estrogens
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Estradiol
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Estramustine
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Estriol
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Estropipate
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Ethinyl Estradiol
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Fleroxacin
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Flucloronide
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Flumequine
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Flumethasone
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Flunisolide
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Fluocinolone
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Fluocinonide
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Fluocortin
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Fluocortolone
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Fluorometholone
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Flurandrenolide
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Fluticasone
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Gatifloxacin
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Gemifloxacin
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Halcinonide
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Halobetasol
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Hydrocortisone
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Levofloxacin
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Lomefloxacin
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Loteprednol
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Medrysone
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Mestranol
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Methylprednisolone
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Mometasone
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Moxifloxacin
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Nadifloxacin
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Norfloxacin
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Ofloxacin
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Paramethasone
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Pazufloxacin
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Pefloxacin
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Polyestradiol Phosphate
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Prednicarbate
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Prednisolone
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Prednisone
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Promestriene
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Prulifloxacin
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Quinestrol
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Rimexolone
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Rufloxacin
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Sparfloxacin
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Spironolactone
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Tibolone
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Tosufloxacin
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Triamcinolone
Receiving this diagnostic test with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper Use
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
Do not take spironolactone or glucocorticoids on the day of cosyntropin testing. Do not take medicines that contain estrogen 4 to 6 weeks before receiving this medicine.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you or your child are receiving this medicine.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
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Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
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blurred vision
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chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
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cough
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difficulty swallowing
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dizziness
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fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
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headache
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hives, itching, skin rash
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nervousness
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pounding in the ears
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puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
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rapid weight gain
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slow or irregular heartbeat
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tingling of the hands or feet
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trouble breathing
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unusual tiredness or weakness
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unusual weight gain or loss
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
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Skin rash
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cosyntropin-injection-route/description/drg-20562526