Zycortal Suspension for Dogs - desoxycorticosterone - 25 mg/ml (4ml) - [Addison's Disease]

Zycortal Injectable Suspension for Dogs is a prescription medication specifically formulated for the treatment of primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) in dogs. Addison’s disease is a serious condition caused by insufficient hormone production from the adrenal glands, resulting in symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, and weakness. Zycortal contains desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP), a long-acting mineralocorticoid that helps regulate sodium and potassium balance to maintain healthy electrolyte levels and blood pressure.

Key Benefits

• Effective Hormone Replacement: Replaces deficient desoxycorticosterone levels in dogs with Addison’s disease.
• Long-Acting Formula: Provides extended-release support to reduce the frequency of injections—typically once every 25 days.
• Improves Quality of Life: Helps restore vitality, appetite, and normal behavior in affected dogs.
• Veterinarian-Recommended: Trusted by veterinary professionals for consistent management of hypoadrenocorticism.

How Zycortal Works

Zycortal delivers desoxycorticosterone pivalate, a synthetic mineralocorticoid that mimics the function of natural hormones produced by healthy adrenal glands. It helps restore balance to sodium and potassium levels in the bloodstream and supports blood pressure regulation. By replacing the missing hormone, Zycortal helps control the clinical signs of Addison’s disease and prevents potentially life-threatening adrenal crises.

Indications

Zycortal is indicated for use in dogs diagnosed with primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s disease). It is used in combination with glucocorticoid therapy to restore and maintain hormonal balance, alleviate clinical signs, and support long-term health and stability.

Product Details

• Brand Name: Zycortal
• Generic Name: Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate
• Medication Type: Mineralocorticoid hormone replacement
• Form: Injectable suspension
• Strength: 25 mg/mL
• Use: Treatment of Addison’s disease in dogs
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection (as directed by a veterinarian)
• Prescription Status: Prescription-only (Rx required)
• Packaging: Multi-dose vial
• Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature (68°F–77°F / 20°C–25°C), protected from light
• Manufacturer: Dechra Pharmaceuticals

Important Safety Information

Do not use Zycortal in animals with known hypersensitivity to desoxycorticosterone. Use caution in dogs with pre-existing heart disease, kidney disease, or fluid retention issues. Always follow your veterinarian's dosing recommendations. Periodic blood tests may be required to monitor electrolyte levels.

Desoxycorticosterone pivalate is the sole active ingredient in Zycortal. It acts as a synthetic mineralocorticoid used to replace the hormone normally produced by the adrenal glands, helping to regulate sodium and potassium levels and maintain healthy blood pressure in dogs with Addison's disease.

Download the Zycortal Suspension Package Insert (PDF)

Important Usage Instructions: Shake the vial thoroughly before each use to ensure proper suspension. Zycortal Suspension is a mineralocorticoid replacement therapy and does not replace glucocorticoids. Dogs with both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency must also receive an appropriate glucocorticoid, such as prednisone.

Long-Term Administration: Zycortal is intended for long-term use with dosage and injection intervals tailored to each dog based on clinical signs and sodium/potassium (Na⁺/K⁺) balance.

Initial Dosage

Administer an initial dose of 2.2 mg/kg body weight via subcutaneous injection.

Interim Monitoring Visit

At approximately 10 days after the first injection (the time of peak concentration), assess the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and the dog's clinical status. If symptoms persist or worsen, adjust the glucocorticoid dosage or investigate alternative causes.

Second Dose (Day 25)

Reevaluate the dog and repeat the Na⁺/K⁺ test around Day 25. Follow the guidelines below to adjust the Zycortal dose:

Prolonging the Dosing Interval

If the dog is stable with a Na⁺/K⁺ ratio > 32 at Day 25, consider delaying the next injection. Monitor electrolyte levels every 3–7 days. When the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio drops below 32, administer 2.2 mg/kg of Zycortal Suspension.

Subsequent Doses and Ongoing Management

Adjust future doses based on clinical response and electrolyte levels:

• Polyuria/Polydipsia: First, lower glucocorticoid dose. If persistent, reduce Zycortal dose.
• Depression, lethargy, GI issues, or weakness: Increase glucocorticoid dose.
• Hyponatremia or Na⁺/K⁺ ratio < 27: Shorten Zycortal injection interval by 2–3 days.
• Hypokalemia or hypernatremia: Reduce Zycortal dosage.

Prior to stressful events (e.g., travel, surgery), consider a temporary increase in glucocorticoid dosage.

Contraindications

Do not use Zycortal in dogs with known hypersensitivity to desoxycorticosterone pivalate.

Cautions

• Stabilize dogs in Addisonian crisis with IV fluids before starting Zycortal.
• Avoid IV administration of Zycortal Suspension.
• Use caution when co-administering potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone).
• Use with care in dogs with heart disease, renal failure, hepatic issues, or edema.
• Monitor for signs of fluid retention (e.g., weight gain, polyuria/polydipsia).
• Not evaluated for safety in breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs, or those under 6 months old.

Warnings

Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Storage

Store between 15°C and 30°C (59°F–86°F). Do not freeze. Use within 120 days after first puncture of the vial.