Zycortal Main Uses
Zycortal is indicated for use as replacement therapy for mineralocorticoid deficiency in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, commonly known as Addison's disease
It helps treat the mineralocorticoid aspect of the disease, which involves regulating sodium and potassium levels and managing fluid balance.
Dogs with combined glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency (the majority of Addison's cases) should also be treated with an appropriate glucocorticoid concurrently.
 
Zycortal Active Ingredients
Desoxycortone pivalate (also known as desoxycorticosterone pivalate or DOCP): It is a synthetic corticosteroid with primarily mineralocorticoid activity. It replaces the essential mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone that the adrenal glands fail to produce in Addison's disease.
 
Zycortal Dosage & Administration
Target Species: Dogs only.
Initial Dose: 2.2 mg/kg of body weight, administered by subcutaneous injection.
Maintenance Dose: The dosage and interval are highly individualized based on the dog's clinical response and measured serum Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. In clinical trials, the mean final dose was approximately 1.9 mg/kg (range 1.2–2.5 mg/kg).
Administration:
Route: Administered by subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
Frequency: Zycortal is a prolonged-release suspension. The second dose is typically given at approximately 25 days after the first dose. Subsequent doses are given at intervals determined by the veterinarian, often ranging from 20 to 99 days.
Preparation: The vial must be thoroughly shaken prior to each use to resuspend the product evenly.
 
Zycortal Side Effects & Safety
Common Reactions:
Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria).
Inappropriate urination, depression/lethargy, pain at injection site, weight gain, decreased appetite/anorexia, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking/trembling, polyphagia (excessive eating), and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Serious/Rare Effects:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) has been observed at high doses, and pancreas disorders have been reported very rarely.
Safety warnings and contraindications:
Contraindication: Do not use in dogs that have previously had a hypersensitivity reaction to desoxycortone pivalate or any of the excipients.
Use with Caution: Use with caution in dogs with congestive heart disease, edema, severe renal disease, or primary hepatic failure.
Addisonian Crisis: Dogs presenting in a life-threatening "Addisonian crisis" must be rehydrated with intravenous fluid therapy before starting treatment with Zycortal.
Drug Interactions: Use with caution when administering concurrently with medications that affect serum sodium or potassium concentrations, such as trimethoprim, amphotericin B, digoxin, or insulin.
Recommended safe duration of use:
Zycortal is intended for long-term administration (life-long treatment) for canine Addison's disease. The duration of use is indefinite, dependent upon the individual patient's response and life expectancy.
STORAGE
Store between 15-30°C. Do not freeze.
Use within 120 days of first puncture.
 
Zycortal Manufacturer Information
Manufacturer: Dechra Veterinary Products
Official Website: https://www.dechra.ca/
Brand introduction: Dechra is a global veterinary pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and marketing of products for companion and food-producing animals. They provide a range of veterinary medicines, including specialized products for endocrinology like Zycortal. The product is manufactured as a Health Canada-approved prescription medication (DIN: 02453657).