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Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP)

Prescription
Mineralocorticoid
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Synthetic mineralocorticoid that promotes sodium and water reabsorption and potassium excretion. Replaces aldosterone in hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease). No glucocorticoid activity — supplemental prednisone needed.

At a glance

Class
Mineralocorticoid
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; shake well; do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Gold standard for mineralocorticoid replacement in Addison's disease
Dose
2.2 mg/kg
Route
IM, SQ
Frequency
q25–28 days
🐈

Cat

Feline hypoadrenocorticism is rare but documented
Dose
2.2 mg/kg
Route
IM, SQ
Frequency
q25 days
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 →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature; shake well; do not freeze

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Serum electrolytes (Na, K) and Na:K ratio at day 14 and 25Renal functionBlood pressureClinical well-being
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

Major — 1

Spironolactone
major
DOCP replaces aldosterone in Addison's disease. Spironolactone blocks aldosterone receptors, directly antagonizing DOCP's mineralocorticoid effect — causes hyperkalemia and sodium loss.
Management: NEVER combine. Spironolactone would negate DOCP treatment for Addison's disease.
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 →

Brands

Other markets

Percorten-V
Zycortal

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP)?
Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) is a mineralocorticoid used in pets. Synthetic mineralocorticoid that promotes sodium and water reabsorption and potassium excretion. Replaces aldosterone in hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease). No glucocorticoid activity — supplemental prednisone needed.
›What is Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) used for in pets?
Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) is used in veterinary medicine for: Gold standard for mineralocorticoid replacement in Addison's disease; Feline hypoadrenocorticism is rare but documented.
›What is the Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) is typically dosed as follows — Gold standard for mineralocorticoid replacement in Addison's disease: 2.2 mg/kg IM/SQ q25–28 days. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) dose for cats?
For cats, Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) is typically dosed as follows — Feline hypoadrenocorticism is rare but documented: 2.2 mg/kg IM/SQ q25 days. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) need a prescription?
Yes. Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) 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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Mineralocorticoid).

DOCP (Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate)
Rx
Long-acting synthetic mineralocorticoid that replaces aldosterone function; promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion in the renal distal tubules, correcting the electrolyte imbalances of hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)
dog
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