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| Primary information |
|---|
| ID | 10528 |
| Therapeutic ID | Th1104 |
| Protein Name | Corticotropin |
| Sequence | >Th1104_Corticotropin
SYSMEHFRWGKPVGKKRRPVKVYPDGAEDQLAEAFPLEF
|
| Molecular Weight | 4541.066 |
| Chemical Formula | C207H308N56O58S |
| Isoelectric Point | NA |
| Hydrophobicity | NA |
| Melting point | NA |
| Half-life | 15 minutes (IV adminstration) |
| Description | Corticotropin (ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a polypeptide hormone produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. It is an important player in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. |
| Indication/Disease | For use as a diagnostic agent in the screening of patients presumed to have adrenocortical insufficiency. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Corticotropin acts through the stimulation of cell surface ACTH receptors, which are primarily located on the adrenocortical cells. Corticotropin stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland and boosts the synthesis of corticosteroids, mainly glucocorticoids but also sex steroids (androgens). Corticotropin is also related to the circadian rhythm in many organisms. |
| Mechanism of Action | As a diagnostic aid (adrenocortical function), corticotropin combines with a specific receptor on the adrenal cell plasma membrane. In patients with normal adrenocortical function, it stimulates the initial reaction involved in the synthesis of adrenal steroids (including cortisol, cortisone, weak androgenic substances, and a limited quantity of aldosterone) from cholesterol by increasing the quantity of cholesterol within the mitochondria. Corticotropin does not significantly increase serum cortisol concentrations in patients with primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease). The mechanism of action of corticotropin in the treatment of infantile myoclonic seizures is unknown. |
| Toxicity | NA |
| Metabolism | NA |
| Absorption | Corticotropin is rapidly absorbed following intramuscular administration; the repository dosage form is slowly absorbed over approximately 8 to 16 hours. |
| NA |
| Clearance | NA |
| Categories | NA |
| Patents Number | NA |
| Date of Issue | NA |
| Date of Expiry | NA |
| Drug Interaction | NA |
| Target | Adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor,Corticoliberin |
| Brand Name | H.P. Acthar |
| Company | Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Brand Description | Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Prescribed For | Infantile spasms, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatic Disorders such as Psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy), Ankylosing spondylitis, Collagen Diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis). Dermatologic Diseases Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Allergic States, Serum sickness, Ophthalmic Diseases. Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, anterior segment inflammation. Respiratory Diseases |
| Chemical Name | NA |
| Formulation | Also contains 0.5% phenol, not more than 0.1% cysteine (added), sodium hydroxide and/or acetic acid to adjust pH and water for injection. |
| Physical Appearance | NA |
| Route of Administration | NA |
| Recommended Dosage | In the treatment of infantile spasms, H.P. Acthar Gel must be administered intramuscularly. The recommended regimen is a daily dose of 150 U/m² (divided into twice daily intramuscular injections of 75 U/m²) administered over a 2-week period. Dosing with H.P. Acthar Gel should then be gradually tapered over a 2-week period to avoid adrenal insufficiency. The following is one suggested tapering schedule: 30 U/m² in the morning for 3 days; 15 U/m² in the morning for 3 days; 10 U/m² in the morning for 3 days; and 10 U/m² every other morning for 6-days. The usual dose of H.P. Acthar Gel is 40-80 units given intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24-72 hours. |
| Contraindication | if you are allergic to corticotropin, or if you have adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), scleroderma, a fungal infection, herpes infection of the eyes, osteoporosis, a stomach ulcer, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, recent surgery, or if you are allergic to pork then this medication is not be administered. |
| Side Effects | problems with your vision;swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions);bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood; pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate); low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure). |
| Useful Link 1 | Link |
| Useful Link 2 | NA |
| Remarks | NA |