Zycortal Suspension

Zycortal is a veterinary medicine that is prescribed to treat Addison's disease in dogs. Dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism or Addison's disease are unable to produce cortisol and aldosterone. The main side effects of this disease include weight loss, dehydration, and fluid loss. In such cases, Zycortal is used to substitute the missing aldosterones. Usually, another corticosteroid is also prescribed alongside to replace the cortisol deficiency. The active ingredient of Zycortal is desoxycortone pivalate.

Percorten came before Zycortal and was approved for veterinary use by FDA in 1998. Zycortal, on the other hand, was approved for canine use by FDA in 2016. Both these medicines comprise 25 mg desoxycorticosterone per milliliter and are microcrystalline suspensions. The microcrystalline suspension formulation allows for slow dissolution and prolonged drug release in dogs. While being similar, they differ in their usage of preservatives and surfactants. Percorten is labeled for intramuscular injection, whereas Zycortal is labeled for subcutaneous injection. However, in clinical practice, Percorten is also administered subcutaneously.

The active ingredient in Zycortal, desoxycortone pivalate, is a synthetic steroid hormone that resembles the natural hormone called aldosterone. Zycortal retains sodium and eliminates potassium to maintain a sufficient level of water in the body. Since dogs suffering from Addison's disease have aldosterone deficiency, Zycortal is administered to replace the missing hormone.

The Zycortal injection is a desoxycorticosterone pivalate injectable suspension. It's used as replacement therapy for dogs suffering from mineralocorticoid deficiency caused by primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease). The Zycortal suspension is available as a prolonged-release injection for use on dogs only. Prolonged-release injection means that the active ingredient, desoxycorticosterone pivalate, is released slowly over a few weeks after being injected. Speaking of being injected, Zycortal is administered subcutaneously.

As is the case with all prescription medicines, Zycortal also has its own set of side effects in dogs. Some of the most common side effects of Zycortal are lethargy, pain, weight gain, frequent urination, polyuria, polydipsia, alopecia, decreased appetite, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, polyphagia, and urinary tract infection, to name a few. In some cases, death has also been reported due to the side effects mentioned above. It's advised that Zycortal injection should be administered with a high level of caution in dogs suffering from congestive heart disease, edema, severe renal disease, and primary hepatic failure. Additionally, a suitable intravenous treatment for hydration before starting Zycortal administration.

Zycortal is a slow-releasing suspension and is administered depending on the dog's response and the level of sodium and potassium in the blood. The first dose is given as a subcutaneous injection at an initial dose of 2.2mg per kg of the body weight. After 25 days of the first injection, the blood sodium and potassium levels are tested, and the dog's response is observed. If the results are satisfactory, the exact dosage and interval are continued long term.

Zycortal suspension is a trademark of Dechra Ltd., based in the UK. The medication is manufactured in the UK and is sold in 4ml vial cartons with a concentration of 25mg/ml. Zycortal is approved for subcutaneous use in dogs only and cannot be purchased without a legit prescription from a licensed veterinarian. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) approved the use of Zycortal in Europe after concluding that the benefits of Zycortal far outweigh the risk associated with it.

No, Zycortal has been approved by the FDA to be administered only subcutaneously in dogs. Percorten, a similar medication, is designed to be injected intramuscularly but not Zycortal. The initial dose of Zycortal is 2.2mg/kilo of the dog's body weight. 25 days after the initial dose, the dog's response to the medication and blood sodium and potassium levels are recorded to determine the further course of the treatment.

Yes, like any other drug, if the dosage administered is higher than the dosage recommended by the veterinarian, your dog will overdose on Zycortal. The most common side-effects of Zycortal overdose are polyuria, polydipsia, alopecia, polyphagia, and urinary tract infection, to name a few. There have been reports of dogs succumbing to these side effects if proper precautions are not taken. Apart from sticking to vet-recommended dosage, the do must also receive intravenous hydration therapy before starting the Zycortal treatment.