Deoxycorticosterone
Deoxycorticosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that regulates water and electrolyte balance by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion in the kidneys. It is primarily used in veterinary medicine as deoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) to manage canine Addison's disease.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be highly individualized based on regular serum electrolyte monitoring. The standard starting dose for dogs (using DOCP) is 2.2 mg/kg body weight administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection approximately every 25 to 30 days.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Up to 11 mg
- Frequency
- Every 25 to 30 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 2.2 mg/kg. Monitor electrolytes closely. Not routinely self-administered without veterinary training.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 11 mg to 15.4 mg
- Frequency
- Every 25 to 30 days
- Tracking Notes
- Administer subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Adjust dose based on sodium/potassium ratios.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 17.6 mg to 22 mg
- Frequency
- Every 25 to 30 days
- Tracking Notes
- Typically requires co-administration of an oral glucocorticoid (like prednisone).
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 24.2 mg to 33 mg
- Frequency
- Every 25 to 30 days
- Tracking Notes
- Dose adjustments should be made in increments or decrements based on blood work at day 10 and day 25.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 35.2 mg to 44 mg
- Frequency
- Every 25 to 30 days
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure patient is well-hydrated. Side effects may include polyuria, polydipsia, and injection site irritation.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Up to 11 mg | Every 25 to 30 days | Calculated at 2.2 mg/kg. Monitor electrolytes closely. Not routinely self-administered without veterinary training. |
| 5-7 kg | 11 mg to 15.4 mg | Every 25 to 30 days | Administer subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Adjust dose based on sodium/potassium ratios. |
| 8-10 kg | 17.6 mg to 22 mg | Every 25 to 30 days | Typically requires co-administration of an oral glucocorticoid (like prednisone). |
| 11-15 kg | 24.2 mg to 33 mg | Every 25 to 30 days | Dose adjustments should be made in increments or decrements based on blood work at day 10 and day 25. |
| 16-20 kg | 35.2 mg to 44 mg | Every 25 to 30 days | Ensure patient is well-hydrated. Side effects may include polyuria, polydipsia, and injection site irritation. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as replacement therapy for mineralocorticoid deficiency in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease).
Generic Name
DeoxycorticosteroneBranded Drug Names
Deoxycorticosterone is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.