H.P. Acthar

H.P. Acthar Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

H.P. Acthar (ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a polypeptide hormone produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. It is an important player in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

H.P. Acthar acts through the stimulation of cell surface ACTH receptors, which are primarily located on the adrenocortical cells. H.P. Acthar stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland and boosts the synthesis of corticosteroids, mainly glucocorticoids but also sex steroids (androgens). H.P. Acthar is also related to the circadian rhythm in many organisms.

Trade Name H.P. Acthar
Availability Prescription only
Generic Corticotropin
Corticotropin Other Names ACTH, Adrenocorticotrophin, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Corticotrophin, Corticotropin, Cortigel, H.P. acthar gel
Related Drugs Humira, Cosentyx, Gilenya, Tysabri, Vumerity, aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, meloxicam, hydroxyzine
Type Injection
Formula C207H308N56O58S
Weight 4541.0658 Da
Groups Approved, Investigational, Vet approved
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country United States
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
H.P. Acthar
H.P. Acthar

Uses

H.P. Acthar is a diagnostic agent used in the screening of patients presumed to have adrenocortical insufficiency.

For use as a diagnostic agent in the screening of patients presumed to have adrenocortical insufficiency.

H.P. Acthar is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Anterior Segment Inflammation, Chorioretinitis, Choroiditis, Corneal Inflammation, Erythema multiforme, Gouty Arthritis, Infantile Spasms (IS), Iridocyclitis, Iritis, Multiple sclerosis exacerbation, Nephrotic Syndrome, Optic Neuritis, Polymyositis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile, Serum Sickness, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Symptomatic Sarcoidosis

How H.P. Acthar works

As a diagnostic aid (adrenocortical function), corticotropin combines with a specific receptor on the adrenal cell plasma membrane. In patients with normal adrenocortical function, it stimulates the initial reaction involved in the synthesis of adrenal steroids (including cortisol, cortisone, weak androgenic substances, and a limited quantity of aldosterone) from cholesterol by increasing the quantity of cholesterol within the mitochondria. H.P. Acthar does not significantly increase serum cortisol concentrations in patients with primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease). The mechanism of action of corticotropin in the treatment of infantile myoclonic seizures is unknown.

Food Interaction

No interactions found.

H.P. Acthar Hypertension interaction

[Major] Adrenocorticotropic agents may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure.

Therapy with these agents, particularly if intended for longer than brief periods, should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention or conditions that may be aggravated by these effects.

Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

The manufacturers consider the use of adrenocorticotropic agents to be contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure or uncontrolled hypertension.

Elimination Route

H.P. Acthar is rapidly absorbed following intramuscular administration; the repository dosage form is slowly absorbed over approximately 8 to 16 hours.

Half Life

About 15 minutes following intravenous administration.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here H.P. Acthar

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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