Cosyntropin
Also known as: Cortrosyn, Synacthen, Nuvacthen Depot, Cortrosina
> **Diagnostic Use Only:** This medication is used exclusively in the veterinary clinic to test how well your pet's adrenal glands are functioning. * **Procedure:** Your pet will have a small blood sample drawn, receive an injection of this medication, and then have another blood sample drawn 30 to 60 minutes later. * **Preparation:** Let your veterinarian know about any medications your pet is taking, especially steroids (like hydrocortisone or prednisone) or spironolactone, as these can interfere with the test results.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Tentative diagnosis of Addison's disease
- ACTH Stimulation test
- Diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism
- Low dose ACTH stimulation test
- ACTH stimulation test
- Relative adrenal insufficiency (RIA) evaluation in critically ill horses
- ACTH Stimulation test
- ACTH Stimulation test (Foals)
- Tentative diagnosis of Addison's disease
- ACTH Stimulation test
- Low dose ACTH stimulation test
- ACTH stimulation test
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rare, but possible)
- Pain on intramuscular (IM) injection
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cosyntropin
- No information available
- > **Hypersensitivity Warning:** Use with caution in patients who have shown hypersensitive reactions to ACTH in the past, as cross-reactivity is a distinct possibility. * **Laboratory Interference:** High bilirubin or free plasma hemoglobin can cause falsely high cortisol values in some assays.
Drug interactions
- Hydrocortisone / Cortisone: Cross-reacts with cortisol assays; patients should not receive these on test day (dexamethasone does not interfere).
- Spironolactone: May cause falsely high cortisol values if using a fluorometric analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cosyntropin used for in pets?
> **Diagnostic Use Only:** This medication is used exclusively in the veterinary clinic to test how well your pet's adrenal glands are functioning. * **Procedure:** Your pet will have a small blood sample drawn, receive an injection of this medication, and then have another blood sample drawn 30 to 60 minutes later. * **Preparation:** Let your veterinarian know about any medications your pet is taking, especially steroids (like hydrocortisone or prednisone) or spironolactone, as these can interfere with the test results.
Is Cosyntropin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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