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Corticotropin: Uses, Evidence, and Reported Side Effects

Drafted by an automated content engine from FDA, PubChem, ClinicalTrials.gov, NIH DSLD, and Open Beauty Facts data.

Molecular formulaC207H308N56O58S
Molecular weight4541 g/mol
Registered trials514
PubChem CID16132265
Drug classAdrenocorticotropic Hormone [EPC]
Brand namesGUNA-GERIATRICS

Anyone considering a hormone-based therapy wants to know what it actually does and what others have experienced with it. Corticotropin, a hormone with a long history of clinical use, is one such option, and looking at its classification, trial activity, and safety reporting can help frame those questions.

Key takeaways

  • Corticotropin is classified as an adrenocorticotropic hormone, and its labels also list oxytocic and thyroid stimulating hormone activity.
  • Over 500 clinical trials have been registered that reference corticotropin or related study areas.
  • The most frequently reported issues in safety databases involve fatigue, injection site reactions, and sleep disturbance.
  • No boxed warning is listed on the label data reviewed.

What Corticotropin Is

Corticotropin belongs to a class of compounds described as adrenocorticotropic hormone agents. Label data also associates it with oxytocic and thyroid stimulating hormone classifications. It is a large peptide compound (PubChem CID 16132265), consistent with its identity as a hormone-based molecule rather than a small-molecule drug.

What The Evidence Shows

Corticotropin or closely related study areas appear across 514 registered clinical trials. Among the sampled studies, one phase 4 trial examined pituitary function related effects and was completed. Another sampled trial, a phase 3 study on hypertonic saline and terlipressin for sepsis-associated hypotension, was terminated. A separate study without an assigned phase looked at acute exercise effects in individuals with alcohol use disorders and was completed.

Reported Side Effects

Reports submitted to safety databases most commonly describe general and injection-related effects. Fatigue was the most frequently reported term (249 reports), followed by injection site bruising (208) and injection site pain (171). Headache (164), dose omission issues (160), and insomnia (151) were also commonly reported, along with drug ineffectiveness (128) and weight increase (120). These figures reflect the number of reports submitted, not confirmed incidence or causation.

FAQ

What is corticotropin used for?
Corticotropin is classified as an adrenocorticotropic hormone agent, with labels also noting oxytocic and thyroid stimulating hormone activity. The specific approved use details in the reviewed label were not clearly summarized in the source text. Patients should refer to official prescribing information for full indication details.
Is corticotropin backed by clinical research?
Yes, corticotropin or related study areas appear in 514 registered clinical trials. These range from completed phase 4 studies to terminated phase 3 trials and studies without an assigned phase. The range of trial phases and statuses shows an active but mixed research history.
What are the most common side effects reported with corticotropin?
The most frequently reported issues include fatigue, injection site bruising, injection site pain, and headache. Insomnia, dose omission issues, drug ineffectiveness, and weight increase were also reported. These are counts of submitted reports, not confirmed rates of occurrence.
Does corticotropin carry a boxed warning?
Based on the label data reviewed, no boxed warning is listed for corticotropin. Patients should still review current prescribing information, since label content can be updated over time.
What kind of molecule is corticotropin?
Corticotropin is a large peptide hormone, cataloged under PubChem CID 16132265. Its size and structure are consistent with its function as a hormone rather than a conventional small-molecule drug.
This page is an editorial information resource. It does not sell, prescribe, or recommend any medication. Content is editorial information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before any treatment decision.

Sources: FDA label data (DailyMed) PubChem ClinicalTrials.gov FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

Updated 2026-08-10