Skip to main content

Corticotropin Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 16, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 40 units; 25 units; 40 units/mL; 80 units/mL

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis

80 to 120 units daily IM or subcutaneously for 2 to 3 weeks

Comments:


Use: For the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.

Usual Adult Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Sarcoidosis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Uveitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Iritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Optic Neuritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Iridocyclitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Chorioretinitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Choroiditis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Serum Sickness

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Erythema Multiforme

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for West Syndrome

Under 2 years of age:
75 units/m2 IM twice a day for 2 weeks, then gradually taper over a 2-week period to avoid adrenal insufficiency

Suggested Taper:
First 3 days: 30 units/m2 IM once a day in the morning
Next 3 days: 15 units/m2 IM once a day in the morning
Next 3 days: 10 unit/m2 IM once a day in the morning
Last 6 days: 10 units/m2 IM every other day in the morning

Use: As monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sarcoidosis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Uveitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Iritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Optic Neuritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Keratitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Iridocyclitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chorioretinitis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Choroiditis

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Serum Sickness

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Erythema Multiforme

Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:

Over 2 years:

Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours

Comments:


Uses: For the treatment of:
Respiratory Disease: Symptomatic sarcoidosis
Edematous State: To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available.

Dose Adjustments

Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms:

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:


Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available.

Other Comments

Administration advice:
IV administration is contraindicated

Under 2 years of age: IM only
Over 2 years of age: IM or subcutaneously

Storage requirements:


Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

General:

Monitoring:

Patient advice:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.