ACTH (Corticotropin)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. Therapeutically, it is used primarily as an injection to treat infantile spasms and inflammatory conditions, or diagnostically to evaluate adrenal gland function.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be highly individualized by a healthcare professional. For pediatric patients (specifically for infantile spasms), dosing is typically calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA) rather than body weight alone. The standard recommended starting dose is 75 U/m² intramuscularly twice daily.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²) | Twice daily | Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist. |
| 5-7 kg | Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²) | Twice daily | Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist. |
| 8-10 kg | Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²) | Twice daily | Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist. |
| 11-15 kg | Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²) | Twice daily | Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist. |
| 16-20 kg | Based on Body Surface Area (typically 75 U/m²) | Twice daily | Must be strictly calculated and monitored by a pediatric specialist. |
Formulation
Purpose
Diagnostic testing for adrenal insufficiency (such as Addison's disease), treatment of infantile spasms (West syndrome) in infants and children under 2 years of age, and management of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.
Generic Name
CorticotropinBranded Drug Names
ACTH (Corticotropin) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.