Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR GEL versus CORTROSYN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR GEL versus CORTROSYN.
ACTHAR GEL vs CORTROSYN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone; also exerts extra-adrenal effects via melanocortin receptors.
Corticotropin (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone; used diagnostically to assess adrenal function.
Initial: 40-80 Units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24-48 hours; maintenance: 40 Units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24-72 hours.
For diagnostic testing of adrenal function: 250 mcg intramuscularly or intravenously as a single dose. For infants and children: 125 mcg intramuscularly or intravenously as a single dose.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 2–3 hours for corticotropin component; repository formulation (gel) extends to 15–20 hours due to slow absorption.
Terminal half-life approximately 1.5 hours (dose-dependent: 1.1-2.2 h). Rapid clearance limits duration of action.
Renal metabolism and excretion (primarily as inactive metabolites); <5% unchanged in urine. Biliary/fecal excretion negligible.
Primarily renal (90% as metabolites, 10% unchanged); negligible biliary/fecal.
Category C
Category C
Corticotropin
Corticotropin