Tetracosactide (cosyntropin) is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the N-terminal 24 amino acids of the naturally occurring hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Tetracosactide stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroids, mineralocorticoids, et, to a lesser extent, androgens.In veterinary medicine, tetracosactide (cosyntropin) is used as a diagnostic for detecting adrenal disorders in dogs, horses, and cats.
Synacthen is used as a diagnostic test to find out if the adrenal glands, small glands next to the kidneys, are working as well as they should. The Synacthen test is given as a single injection into the muscle.Synacthen is used as a test only. It is not used to treat poorly functioning adrenal glands.
