Tetracosactide (tetracosactrin) Intravenous for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

Important information

  • See Monitoring requirements below

Available preparations

Synacthen 250 microgram in 1ml ampoule

Reconstitution

Already in solution

Draw up using a 5 micron filter needle

Methods of intravenous administration

Slow intravenous injection - see also Further information

  • Administer over two minutes (ref 1)

Dose in adults

Diagnostic test for adrenal insufficiency

  • Give 250 micrograms (by slow intravenous injection or IM)
  • Measure plasma cortisol levels immediately before and thirty minutes after administration of the tetracosactride
  • Adrenocorticol function can be considered normal if the post-injection rise in plasma cortisol concentration amounts to at least 200nmol/L (70mcg/L)

Monitoring

  • Patients should be kept under observation for 30 minutes after the injection due to the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions
  • Ensure resuscitation facilities are available, should a serious hypersensivity reaction occur.

Further information

  • The drug may also be given by intramuscular injection (at the same dose)

Storage

Store between 2 and 80C

References

SPC March 2019

(1) Injectable Medicines Administration Guide, downloaded from Medusa 30/11/2021

Therapeutic classification

Diagnostic agent