At a glance
Effects
- Stimulates cortisol production: Acts on the adrenal cortex to drive synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids (cortisol), the basis of all its effects.[5][7]
- Anti-inflammatory / immune-modulating: Via induced cortisol, it suppresses inflammation; used to speed resolution of acute MS exacerbations, though it does not change the disease's ultimate course.[2][3]
- Controls infantile spasms: Approved as monotherapy for infantile spasms (West syndrome) in infants and children under 2 years.[7]
- Adrenal diagnostic stimulus: The 1-24 fragment (cosyntropin) acts like natural ACTH to stimulate cortisol, used in the ACTH stimulation test to screen for adrenal insufficiency.[1][4]
Melanocortin (MC2R) agonist / peptide hormone (corticotropin)
Injectable — IM or subcutaneous (therapeutic); IM/IV (diagnostic). Not for IV use as gel
39–amino-acid peptide; activity resides in N-terminal 1-24
Cortisol rises within ~5 min, roughly doubles by 15–30 min (cosyntropin)
Inactivated by GI proteolytic enzymes — not orally active
About Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 1-39)
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 1-39, corticotropin) is a 39–amino-acid peptide hormone of the melanocortin system, normally made by the anterior pituitary, that acts as the body's primary regulator of cortisol production.[5][6] As a medicine (repository corticotropin/Acthar Gel) it is a prescription injectable used to treat infantile spasms and acute multiple-sclerosis exacerbations, while a related synthetic fragment (cosyntropin, ACTH 1-24) is used as a diagnostic agent.[3][7]
How it works
ACTH binds the melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed almost exclusively on the adrenal cortex.[6] Receptor binding raises intracellular cyclic AMP and activates protein kinase A, driving the steroidogenic pathway that converts cholesterol into cortisol and other corticosteroids.[5][8] The resulting glucocorticoid surge produces broad anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, which is how its therapeutic uses are mediated.[5][2]
Risks & side effects
Most important: Because ACTH works by raising the body's own steroid output, it carries the risks of long-term corticosteroid exposure: chronic use can suppress the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency), increase susceptibility to and mask infections, and may cause adverse effects that are not reversible.[8][9] It can also raise blood pressure and cause salt/water retention with potentially dangerous potassium loss.[8][9]
Common
Serious
- Adrenal insufficiency, especially after long-term use or abrupt withdrawal[9]
- Cushing's syndrome from cortisol overproduction[9]
- Increased risk of new or reactivated infections (incl. TB, hepatitis B), with signs of infection potentially masked[8][9]
- Stomach/GI bleeding, ulcers or perforation[9]
- Bone loss (osteoporosis) with prolonged use[9]
- Some chronic-use adverse effects may be irreversible[8]
Safety & harm reduction
- Sensitivity/allergy to corticotropin or porcine (pork) proteins[8][9]
- Scleroderma, osteoporosis, recent surgery, or peptic ulcer (current or past)[8][9]
- Systemic fungal infections or ocular herpes simplex[8][9]
- Congestive heart failure or uncontrolled hypertension[8][9]
- Primary adrenocortical insufficiency or adrenocortical hyperfunction[8]
- Infants under 2 with suspected congenital infection (for infantile-spasm use)[9]
- IV administration of the gel formulation[9]
- Regular blood pressure checks during treatment[6]
- Serum potassium and electrolytes (risk of hypokalemia)[8][9]
- Signs of infection, including TB and hepatitis B status before starting[9]
- Signs of adrenal insufficiency and Cushing's syndrome, especially with long-term use[9]
- Verify adrenal responsiveness before therapeutic use[8]
- Diuretics — corticotropin may accentuate electrolyte (potassium) loss[1][9]
- Live or live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided at immunosuppressive doses; do not vaccinate against smallpox while on therapy[8]
- For diagnostic testing, glucocorticoids and spironolactone are generally stopped on the test day[4]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported clinical context, not a prescription: the labeled therapeutic dose of repository corticotropin (Acthar Gel) for infantile spasms is 150 U/m² per day, given as twice-daily IM injections of 75 U/m², then tapered and discontinued over about 2 weeks.[7] In trials for other inflammatory conditions, 80 units daily for 10 days followed by 80 units twice weekly has been used.[3] For diagnostic use, cosyntropin is given as a single 0.25 mg injection.[4] These figures come from labeled/clinical sources and must only be set and supervised by a prescriber.
Sources
- 1.StatPearls — Physiology, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (NCBI Bookshelf)
- 2.MedlinePlus — Cosyntropin Injection
- 3.DailyMed — Acthar (repository corticotropin injection)
- 4.RxList — Cortrosyn (cosyntropin) prescribing information
- 5.ScienceDirect — Adrenocorticotropic hormone (overview)
- 6.USPTO patent — MC2R / ACTH detailed description
- 7.FDA.report / DailyMed — Acthar Gel label (indications & dosing)
- 8.DailyMed — Purified Cortrophin Gel (repository corticotropin)
- 9.WebMD — Acthar Gel (corticotropin) warnings & side effects
- 10.Healio — Cosyntropin pharmacology (onset/absorption)
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 1-39)· 2 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GenericSelected | vial | 5 mg | 10 vial | 189,99 € | — |
Generic | vial | 10 mg | 10 vial | 329,99 € | — |