Synthetic peptide consisting of the first 24 amino acids of natural ACTH (corticotropin), which is the biologically active portion. Stimulates adrenal cortisol production — used diagnostically in the ACTH stimulation test to evaluate adrenal function.
At a glance
Class
Synthetic ACTH (Diagnostic Agent)
Storage
Refrigerate powder 2–8°C; reconstituted use within 12h at room temperature; unused portions can be frozen in aliquots
Dosing
Gold standard for diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's) and monitoring tril
Frequency
Single diagnostic dose
Used for feline hyperadrenocorticism and hypoadrenocorticism diagnosis
Frequency
Single diagnostic dose
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-ACTH and post-ACTH cortisol levelsNormal post-ACTH cortisol: 6–17 mcg/dL (dogs)Addison's: both pre and post <2 mcg/dLCushing's on treatment: post-ACTH 1.5–5 mcg/dL (target)
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 Cosyntropin?
Cosyntropin is a synthetic acth (diagnostic agent) used in pets. Synthetic peptide consisting of the first 24 amino acids of natural ACTH (corticotropin), which is the biologically active portion. Stimulates adrenal cortisol production — used diagnostically in the ACTH stimulation test to evaluate adrenal function.
›What is Cosyntropin used for in pets?
Cosyntropin is used in veterinary medicine for: Gold standard for diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's) and monitoring tril; Used for feline hyperadrenocorticism and hypoadrenocorticism diagnosis.
›What is the Cosyntropin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cosyntropin is typically dosed as follows — Gold standard for diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's) and monitoring tril: undefined undefined IV/IM Single diagnostic dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Cosyntropin dose for cats?
For cats, Cosyntropin is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline hyperadrenocorticism and hypoadrenocorticism diagnosis: 5 mcg/kg IV/IM Single diagnostic dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Cosyntropin need a prescription?
Yes. Cosyntropin 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