Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is used in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency to differentiate between primary adrenal insufficiency (no response to ACTH) or secondary adrenal insufficiency.  

Class Drugs

• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Class Mechanism of Action

ACTH is a naturally occurring hormone released by the pituitary that stimulates cortisol production in the adrenal gland

Class Applications

Used to differentiate between primary adrenal insufficiency vs secondary adrenal insufficiency

• In primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's Disease), exogenous ACTH administration will not stimulate cortisol production as the adrenal gland is not functioning appropriately

• In secondary adrenal insufficiency, the pituitary gland does not secrete ACTH, so exogenous administration of ACTH will stimulate cortisol production in the adrenal gland

Class Adverse Effects

Few side effects of short-term use for testing

Long-term use results in hypertension, edema, hypokalemia

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone			"Adrenal Gland" "Core" "Tropical Island"