Tetracosactide 250micrograms/1ml solution for injection ampoules
Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber
Tetracosactide (also known as Cosyntropin) is a synthetic peptide that is identical to the 24-amino acid segment (sequence: SYSMEHFRWGKPVGKKRRPVKVYP) at the N-terminal of adrenocorticotropic hormone.
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2 branded products available
Part of the Synacthen brand family (generic: Tetracosactide)
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Synacthen 250micrograms/1ml solution for injection ampoules
Tetracosactide 250micrograms/1ml solution for injection ampoules
This is the NHS Drug Tariff indicative price used for reimbursement purposes. It may not reflect the price paid by patients or pharmacies.
View full Drug TariffSource: NHS Drug Tariff via NHSBSA. Derived from dm+d VMPP (Virtual Medicinal Product Pack) pricing data. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
WHO defined daily dose (DDD)
250 microgram
Not a recommended dose. The DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults. It is a statistical measure used for research and comparison purposes only.
Source: WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, distributed via the NHS dm+d supplementary mapping files (NHSBSA). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing the 50 most relevant studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 1 · Randomised trials: 6 · Trials: 2 · 1969–2026
Showing the 50 most relevant studies, sorted by most relevant.
A. Lux, S. Edwards, E. Hancock, et al.
Lancet, 2004
John P. Osborne, Stuart W. Edwards, Fabienne Dietrich Alber, et al.
European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, 2023
- Epilepsy
- Spasms, Infantile
- Spasm
Mikhail Dziadzko, Lionel Bouvet, Nadia Steer, et al.
British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2025
- Cosyntropin
- Post-Dural Puncture Headache
- Blood Patch, Epidural
A. Orandi, Amirpasha Mansour, Nima Bagheri, et al.
Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 2024
Abstract Objectives Rotator cuff tendinitis (RCT) is a tendon inflammation often following subacromial impingement syndrome. One of the non-surgical management modalities for RCT is subacromial injection of corticosteroids. Some studies have claimed a correlation between ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) deficiency and rotator cuff lesions; hence, intramuscular ACTH analogue injection has been recommended as an option. This research aimed to compare the effectiveness of these two treatment methods. Methods We conducted a study with 86 patients suffering from RCT. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 43; one group received a subacromial injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide, while the other group received 1 mg of intramuscular tetracosactide injection. We recorded the Constant–Murley (CM) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for each patient before and 4 weeks after injections to measure pain acuity and joint functionality. Later, we compared and analysed the two scores in each group. Results Based on the statistical analysis, the mean ages of the participants in the triamcinolone and tetracosactide groups were 53.21 ± 11.37 and 54.56 ± 11.98, respectively. Both groups demonstrated an improvement in VAS for pain and CM scores (P < 0.05). However, the VAS for pain score decreased, and the CM score increased more significantly in the triamcinolone group than in the tetracosactide group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Although both treatment methods exhibit promise for pain relief, subacromial injection of triamcinolone appears more efficacious than intramuscular injection of tetracosactide in patients with RCT, based on a 4-week follow-up. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir, IRCT20240110060673N1.
Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0
Giorgio Noera, Alfio Bertolini, Laura Calzà, et al.
Military Medical Research, 2024
- Critical Illness
- Italy
Abstract Background Undifferentiated shock is recognized as a criticality state that is transitional in immune-mediated topology for casual risk of lethal microcirculatory dysfunction. This was a sensitivity analysis of a drug (tetracosactide; TCS10) targeting melanocortin receptors (MCRs) in a phase 3 randomized controlled trial to improve cardiovascular surgical rescue outcome by reversing mortality and hemostatic disorders. Methods Sensitivity analysis was based on a randomized, two-arm, multicenter, double-blind, controlled trial. The Naïve Bayes classifier was performed by density-based sensitivity index for principal strata as proportional hazard model of 30-day surgical risk mortality according to European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation inputs-outputs in 100 consecutive cases (from August to September 2013 from Emilia Romagna region, Italy). Patients included an agent-based TCS10 group (10 mg, single intravenous bolus before surgery; n = 56) and control group (n = 44) and the association with cytokines, lactate, and bleeding-blood transfusion episodes with the prior-risk log-odds for mortality rate in time-to-event was analyzed. Results Thirty-day mortality was significantly improved in the TCS10 group vs. control group (0 vs. 8 deaths, P < 0.0001). Baseline levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and lactate were associated with bleeding episodes, independent of TCS10 treatment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.79; OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.17–2.12; and OR = 2.92, 95%CI 1.40–6.66, respectively], while baseline level of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) was associated with lower bleeding rates in TCS10-treated patients (OR = 0.31, 95%CI 0.11–0.90, P = 0.03). For every 8 TCS10-treated patients, 1 bleeding case was avoided. Blood transfusion episodes were significantly reduced in the TCS10 group compared to the control group (OR = 0.32, 95%CI 0.14–0.73, P = 0.01). For every 4 TCS10-treated patients, 1 transfusion case was avoided. Conclusions Sensitivity index underlines the quality target product profile of TCS10 in the runway of emergency casualty care. To introduce the technology readiness level in real-life critically ill patients, further large-scale studies are required. Trial registration European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT Number: 2007-006445-41 ).
Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0
J.P. Osborne, E. Hancock, S. Edwards, et al.
European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, 2015
C. Depaulis, N. Steer, Léa Garessus, et al.
Trials, 2019
- Hormones
- Cosyntropin
- Analgesics
AbstractBackgroundPost-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the most common complications of neuraxial anaesthesia. It limits patients’ general activity and increases the length of hospital stays and the use of care. It is particularly disabling during the postpartum period, when mothers have to take care of their child. Epidural blood patch is the standard treatment for PDPH. However, it is an invasive procedure that may result in rare but serious complications. Recent evidence has suggested that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is effective in the management of PDPH. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of tetracosactide (Synacthen®), a synthetic analogue of ACTH, for PDPH treatment in patients who receive neuraxial anaesthesia during labour.MethodsThis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial, is performed in two French university hospitals. Eligible patients are those suffering from postpartum PDPH, who are randomised to receive either 1 mg of tetracosactide intravenously over 20 min or to 0.9% saline (placebo). The primary endpoint is the rate of epidural blood patch within a 15-day follow-up period. Headache duration, pain intensity, reduction of general activity, increase in length of hospital stay, adverse events, analgesic use (type and duration) and number of blood patches per patient in each group are recorded.DiscussionWe expect a decrease in the use of epidural blood patch in those receiving tetracosactide, thus indicating a decrease in PDPH symptoms in these patients. This will define the therapeutic success of tetracosactide and the possibility to use this treatment as a non-invasive alternative to blood patch for PDPH treatment.Trial registrationPrimary Registry ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results SystemDate of Registration 24 June 2016Unique Protocol ID 69HCL15_0429 Secondary IDs EudraCT Number 2015–003357-17ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02813655ANSM 160214A-31 Protocol version V4 28/09/2018
Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0
Souza LP, Bufara DC, Tensini TS, et al.
2025
- Spasms, Infantile
- Vigabatrin
- Cosyntropin
West syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy for which combination therapies with adrenocorticotropic hormone and vigabatrin have emerged as new treatment options.To evaluate the clinical and electroencephalographic remission rates, tolerability, and relapse rates in patients with West syndrome who failed primary treatment and underwent sequential therapy with vigabatrin and adrenocorticotropic hormone.We included 39 patients with West syndrome from 2 specialized centers, aged 2 to 120 months. The patients were treated with intramuscular tetracosactide depot added to vigabatrin and were prospectively followed up for ≥ 1 year. The outcomes were clinical, and electroencephalographic remission rates at 7 and 30 days and 1 year following combined therapy initiation, progression to other epilepsy types, therapy tolerability, and relapse rates were recorded.Of the original sample, 71% of the subjects were boys, and 87% had a known etiology. The clinical and electroencephalographic remission rates were 46.1%, 94.8% (p = 0.001), and 74.1% (p = 0.01) at 7 and 30 days, and 1 year after the initiation of combined therapy, respectively. At the 1-year follow-up, adverse effects were observed in 86.0% and the relapse rate was 21.6%. After a median follow-up of 21 months, 73.6% of the patients developed epilepsy.Combined therapy demonstrated a favorable efficacy profile in achieving clinical and electroencephalographic remission but was associated with significant seizure relapse rates in the medium term. Thus, it represents a feasible option for patients in whom initial treatment has failed.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Coslovich S, Tonetto S, Bragato G, et al.
2026
- Pituitary-Adrenal System
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
- Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents are frequently exposed to minority stress, which may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during critical developmental windows. Altered cortisol dynamics have been described in populations facing chronic stress, yet evidence in TGD youth is limited. Understanding adrenal function in this context is essential for clarifying potential biological pathways linking social stressors to developmental and health outcomes. In the present study, identifying as TGD serves as an indirect proxy of exposure to minority stressors, which were not directly measured. We conducted a retrospective, case-control study at a tertiary pediatric center, including 48 TGD adolescents and 298 controls referred for evaluation of premature pubarche with nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia excluded. All participants underwent a standard dose synacthen test (SDST; 250 µg tetracosactide iv, sampling at baseline and 60 min, 8:00 a.m.), which assesses adrenal responsiveness to pharmacological ACTH stimulation. Serum cortisol, DHEAS, ACTH, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were assayed. Statistical analyses included nonparametric group comparisons, correlations, and multivariable regression adjusting for age and sex assigned at birth. TGD individuals demonstrated significantly higher baseline cortisol levels (293 vs. 214 nmol/L; p < 0.001) and a reduced cortisol response to SDST (Δcortisol: 354 vs. 446 nmol/L; p < 0.001). In the full sample, basal DHEAS levels were higher in TGD youth (231 vs. 142 nmol/L; p = 0.362), whereas the DHEAS-to-cortisol ratio did not differ significantly between groups. In an age-matched subsample (1:2 matching), the DHEAS-to-cortisol ratio was significantly lower in TGD adolescents (0.72 vs. 1.03; p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent association between TGD status and higher basal cortisol, lower Δcortisol, and a reduced DHEAS-to-cortisol ratio after adjustment for covariates (all p < 0.001). Our findings provide preliminary evidence of altered adrenal responsiveness in TGD adolescents, potentially reflecting the biological embedding of minority stress during development. Although exploratory, these results highlight the need for prospective, longitudinal studies integrating psychosocial and neuroendocrine measures to clarify mechanisms linking stress, HPA axis function, and developmental outcomes in gender-diverse youth.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Reactions Weekly, 2023
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
None known
Half-life
15 minutes
Mechanism
Cosyntropin combines with a specific receptor in the adrenal cell plasma membran…
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
1 target
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
Half-life
15 minutes
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Known interactions with other medicines. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 50 of 86 interactions
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
PMID:36588120
Upon corticotropin (ACTH) binding, facilitates the release of adrenal glucocorticoids, including cortisol and corticosterone. In addition, MC2R is required for fetal and neonatal adrenal gland development (By similarity). Mechanistically, activates adenylate cyclase (cAMP), the MAPK cascade as well as the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A pathway leading to steroidogenic factor 1/NR5A1-mediated transcriptional activation (By similarity)
ATC H01AA02
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Tetracosactide
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
7516
ChemSpider
10481947
BindingDB
50017180
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:6930
GenAtlas
MC2R
GeneCards
MC2R
GenBank Gene Database
X65633
GenBank Protein Database
28344
Guide to Pharmacology
283
UniProt Accession
ACTHR_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite:
- DrugBank 6.02024Recommended citationKnox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et alDrugBank 6.0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
- DrugBank 5.02018Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank 5.0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
- DrugBank 4.02014Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et alDrugBank 4.0: shedding new light on drug metabolismNucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
- DrugBank 3.02011Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et alDrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugsNucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
- DrugBank 2.02008Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.Nucleic Acids Research2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
- DrugBank 1.02006Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.Nucleic Acids Research2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72