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cortrosyn

Pharmaranks rates Cortrosyn 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Cortrosyn (Cosyntropin) is an adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Cosyntropin · by Amphastar Pharms Inc

70/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Cosyntropin
Form
Injectable
Strength
Cosyntropin 0.25MG/VIAL
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
FDA application
NDA016750

What is Cortrosyn?

From the FDA label:Cosyntropin is an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Cosyntropin is synthetic beta 1 - 24 corticotropin, a synthetic subunit of ACTH. It is an open chain polypeptide containing, the first 24 of the 39 amino acids of natural ACTH in sequence from N terminal. The sequence of amino acids in the 1 - 24 compound is as follows: The empirical formula is C 136 H 210 N 40 O 31 S with a molecular weight of 2934 g/mol. CORTROSYN (cosyntropin) for Injection is a sterile lyophilized powder in single-dose vials containing 0.25 mg of cosyntropin and 10 mg of mannitol. Sodium Hydroxide and Glacial acetic acid may be used to adjust pH. Image2.jpg

How to use

2.1 Important Information Before Conducting CORTROSYN TESTING In general, stop glucocorticoids and spironolactone on the day of CORTROSYN testing. However, long-acting glucocorticoids may need to be stopped for a longer period before CORTROSYN testing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7)]. Stop estrogen-containing drugs four to six weeks before CORTROSYN testing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7)]. 2.2 Recommended Dose for Adults The recommended dose of CORTROSYN in adults is 0.25 mg to be administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection. 2.3 Recommended Dose for Pediatric Patients The recommended dose of CORTROSYN in pediatric patients, aged birth to 17 years, to be administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection is presented in Table 1. 2.4 Reconstitution Instructions Aseptically reconstitute the lyophilized powder in the vial using 1 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and gently swirl. After reconstitution, the final concentration of CORTROSYN reconstituted solution is 0.25 mg/mL. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. The reconstituted CORTROSYN solution should be clear and colorless, and free of particulates. If CORTROSYN solution is cloudy or contains particulates, do not administer. If…

Side effects

Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of CORTROSYN: anaphylactic reaction bradycardia tachycardia hypertension peripheral edema rash Most common adverse reactions are: anaphylactic reaction, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension, peripheral edema, and rash (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-423-4136 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings

Important safety information

5.1 Hypersensitivity to CORTROSYN Injection CORTROSYN injection hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions and treat as needed. 5.2 Diagnostic Inaccuracies Cortisol levels and subsequent diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency following CORTROSYN administration may be inaccurate if patients are on certain medications because of their effect on cortisol or cortisol binding globulin levels. Glucocorticoids and spironolactone may result in falsely elevated cortisol levels. Stop these drugs on the day of CORTROSYN testing. Long-acting glucocorticoids may need to be stopped for a longer period before CORTROSYN testing [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Estrogen-containing drugs increase cortisol binding globulin levels which can increase plasma total cortisol levels. To obtain accurate plasma total cortisol levels, stop estrogen containing drugs four to six weeks before CORTROSYN testing to allow cortisol binding globulin levels to return to levels within the reference range [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Alternatively, concomitant measurement of cortisol binding globulin at the time of testing can be done; if cortisol binding globulin levels are elevated, plasma total cortisol levels are considered inaccurate. Any condition that elevates or lowers cortisol binding globulin levels may increase or decrease plasma total cortisol levels, respectively. Cortisol binding globulin levels can be low in cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome. Measure cortisol binding globulin levels as necessary to ensure accuracy of interpretation of plasma total cortisol levels. Hypersensitivity: reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions and treat as needed. (5.1) Diagnostic Inaccuracies: Cortisol levels and subsequent diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency following CORTROSYN administration may be inaccurate if patients are on certain medications because of their effect on cortisol or cortisol binding globulin levels. Any condition that elevates or lowers cortisol binding globulin levels may increase or decrease plasma total cortisol levels, respectively. (2.1, 5.2, 7)

Who should not take Cortrosyn

CORTROSYN is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cosyntropin or to any excipients of CORTROSYN. Reactions have included anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. CORTROSYN is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cosyntropin or to any excipients of CORTROSYN. Reactions have included anaphylaxis. (4, 5.1)

Interactions

7.1 Drug Effects on Plasma Cortisol Levels Accuracy of the test results can be affected by concomitant medications. Plasma cortisol levels and subsequent diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency following CORTROSYN administration may be inaccurate if patients are on certain medications because of their effect on cortisol or cortisol binding globulin levels [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Glucocorticoids and spironolactone: May falsely elevate plasma cortisol levels. Stop these drugs on the day of CORTROSYN testing. Long-acting glucocorticoids may need to be stopped for a longer period before CORTROSYN testing. Estrogen: May elevate plasma total cortisol levels. Stop estrogen containing drugs 4 to 6 weeks before CORTROSYN testing to allow cortisol binding globulin levels to return to levels within the reference range. Alternatively, concomitant measurement of cortisol binding globulin at the time of testing can be done; if cortisol binding globulin levels are elevated, plasma total cortisol levels are considered inaccurate. Drug effects on plasma cortisol levels: ◦ Accuracy of the test results can be affected by concomitant medications.◦ Glucocorticoids and spironolactone: May falsely elevate plasma cortisol levels. Stop these drugs on day of CORTROSYN testing. Long-acting glucocorticoids may need to be stopped for a longer period before CORTROSYN testing. (7)◦ Estrogen: May elevate plasma total cortisol levels. Stop estrogen containing drugs 4 to 6 weeks before CORTROSYN testing. (7) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Revised 12/2023

Drug class

Dosage forms

Injectable

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

How is Cortrosyn rated?
pharmaranks gives Cortrosyn a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
Is there a coupon or discount for Cortrosyn?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cortrosyn. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Cortrosyn?
Cortrosyn is marketed by Amphastar Pharms Inc. You can see Amphastar Pharms Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Cortrosyn a brand-name or generic drug?
Cortrosyn is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Cosyntropin.
Is Cortrosyn available over the counter?
No. Cortrosyn is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Cortrosyn come in?
Cortrosyn is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Cortrosyn?
Cortrosyn is classified as adrenocorticotropic hormone, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Cortrosyn FDA-registered?
Cortrosyn is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA016750. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Cortrosyn been recalled by the FDA?
Cortrosyn has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Cortrosyn safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Cortrosyn a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Cortrosyn?
Cortrosyn's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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cortrosyn

70/100