What is Synacthen?

Synacthen is one of a class of drugs known as pituitary hormones and analogues. It comes in a 1 mL colourless glass ampoule as a liquid solution. It's administered with an injection into a muscle or vein.

What are the uses of Synacthen?

Synacthen is a diagnostic test that determines whether the adrenal glands, which are tiny glands located close to the kidneys, are functioning properly. Synacthen can be used instead of steroids (medicines like cortisone) to treat a variety of illnesses, including:
     • various forms of seizures in children; abrupt exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.
     • rheumatoid arthritis as a short-term treatment in cases where corticoids are usually administered.
     • Corticoid-responsive skin disorders
     • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis supplemental therapy for cancer patients to increase chemotherapy tolerability.

How does Synacthen work?

Synacthen increases the synthesis of natural "steroid" hormones by boosting the adrenal glands.

How to use Synacthen?

• Only one dose of Synacthen is required for the diagnosis of a hormonal issue. Your doctor will determine a reasonable dose of Synacthen for therapeutic use based on your condition.
• Your doctor or nurse will pull up the liquid in the ampoule into a syringe and inject it into a muscle or vein.
• Synacthen will be given to you as a single injection for the diagnostic test. Two blood samples will be obtained, one before the Synacthen injection and the other 30 minutes after the injection. These blood tests will determine whether your adrenal glands are functioning properly.
• You are unlikely to miss a dosage because this drug is given to you by a doctor or nurse. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns.
• Synacthen is given to you by a doctor or a nurse, and an overdose is quite improbable. If somebody mistakenly takes this medicine, they should contact the nearest hospital emergency room or a doctor right away since medical help may be needed.
• In the case of therapeutic use, therapy should be tapered off gradually to assist keep the adrenal glands functioning normally.

 Side effects

• If you are experiencing an allergic response.
• Redness or soreness at the injection site, rash, itching, hives, or flushing, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other regions of the body are all signs of an allergic reaction.
• If the adrenal gland, a tiny gland above the kidneys, is bleeding. Sudden acute stomach and flank discomfort are symptoms of adrenal gland haemorrhage.
  
• Menstrual (period) problems, Cushing's syndrome (a condition of the adrenal glands that causes weight gain, a rounder face, and high blood pressure), adrenal gland malfunction (adrenocortical problem), elevated blood sugar levels, and excessive body and facial hair are all endocrine illnesses.
  Mood swings, fits, headaches, and dizziness are all symptoms of neurological diseases.
• Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia), low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia), excessive salt levels in the blood (hypernatremia), swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet are all examples of fluid and metabolic abnormalities (fluid build-up in the body).

For more information, visit-

• Synacthen 0.25mg/ml Injection: Know the Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Availability
• Synacthen Test: Learn about what is it used for, how does it work, and more here