Tetracosactide (Tetracosactrin, ACTH)

Tetracosactide (Tetracosactrin, ACTH) In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• ACTH analogue binds to specific receptors on the cell membrane of adrenocortical cells and induces the production of steroids from cholesterol.

Uses of Tetracosactide (Tetracosactrin, ACTH)

• Used to stimulate cortisol production for diagnosing hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s syndrome) and hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease).
• See the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology for guidance on performing and interpreting the ACTH stimulation test.
• Recommend using lower doses than previously published, and if there are supply issues, reserve for diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism.
• The ACTH stimulation test’s effectiveness in monitoring hyperadrenocorticism treatment may be limited.
• The impact on cortisol production in cats is less pronounced than in dogs, requiring different reference ranges.

Dose of Tetracosactide (Tetracosactrin, ACTH) in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• ACTH stimulation test: 5 μg (micrograms)/kg i.v., i.m.
• The same doses may be used for the lyophilized product but must be administered i.m.

Cats:

• ACTH stimulation test: 5 μg (micrograms)/kg or 125 μg/cat. i.v., i.m.

Side Effects of Tetracosactide (Tetracosactrin, ACTH) in Dogs and Cats

• Intramuscular administration tends to produce a pain reaction so i.v. is preferred.

Contraindications of Tetracosactide (Tetracosactrin, ACTH) in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.