Natural ACTH (39 amino acids) that stimulates adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone. Repository gel formulation provides sustained ACTH release. Used diagnostically (ACTH stimulation test) and therapeutically.
At a glance
Class
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; do not freeze
Dosing
ACTH gel largely replaced by cosyntropin for diagnostic testing (more standardiz
Frequency
Once (diagnostic); q24–48h (therapeutic)
Cosyntropin strongly preferred over ACTH gel for diagnostic testing in cats
Frequency
Once (diagnostic)
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Pre and post cortisol levels (diagnostic)ElectrolytesBlood glucose
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Corticotropin (ACTH)?
Corticotropin (ACTH) is a adrenocorticotropic hormone used in pets. Natural ACTH (39 amino acids) that stimulates adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone. Repository gel formulation provides sustained ACTH release. Used diagnostically (ACTH stimulation test) and therapeutically.
›What is Corticotropin (ACTH) used for in pets?
Corticotropin (ACTH) is used in veterinary medicine for: ACTH gel largely replaced by cosyntropin for diagnostic testing (more standardiz; Cosyntropin strongly preferred over ACTH gel for diagnostic testing in cats.
›What is the Corticotropin (ACTH) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Corticotropin (ACTH) is typically dosed as follows — ACTH gel largely replaced by cosyntropin for diagnostic testing (more standardiz: undefined undefined IM Once (diagnostic); q24–48h (therapeutic). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Corticotropin (ACTH) dose for cats?
For cats, Corticotropin (ACTH) is typically dosed as follows — Cosyntropin strongly preferred over ACTH gel for diagnostic testing in cats: 2.2 IU/kg IM Once (diagnostic). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Corticotropin (ACTH) need a prescription?
Yes. Corticotropin (ACTH) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database