Prescribing overview
DOCP replaces deficient mineralocorticoids, not glucocorticoids. Percorten-V and Zycortal have different labeled injection routes.
Key prescribing checks
- Confirm the diagnosis and assess hydration, perfusion and electrolyte status before starting treatment. A severely unstable Addisonian patient requires stabilization rather than lookup-directed maintenance injection alone.
- Individualize dose and interval using clinical response and sodium/potassium monitoring; verify the concurrently prescribed glucocorticoid plan.
- Labels caution about cardiac disease, edema and significant renal or hepatic disease. Persistent weakness, vomiting or collapse warrants immediate clinical reassessment rather than waiting for a routine injection appointment.
Uses by species
Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.
Dogs
FDA-approved veterinary labelsMineralocorticoid replacement in hypoadrenocorticism
Concurrent glucocorticoid replacement may be required.
Use / indication source ↗Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics
Mechanism and clinical role
Promotes renal sodium/chloride retention and potassium/hydrogen excretion, expanding extracellular fluid volume.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
Zycortal canine PK at five times the starting dose showed peak concentration around ten days; these data are not a routine dosing interval.
SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC
Contraindications & cautions
Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.
Percorten-V
U.S. canine intramuscular suspension; label do-not-use warnings.
Contraindications · when not to use
- Label says not to use in pregnant dogs or dogs with congestive heart disease, severe renal disease or edema.
Precautions & monitoring
- Rehydrate hypovolemic patients with poor perfusion/pre-renal azotemia before treatment; rule out primary renal disease. Monitor electrolytes and fluid retention.
Zycortal
U.S. canine subcutaneous suspension.
Contraindications · when not to use
- Previous hypersensitivity reaction to DOCP. Label warning also prohibits use during canine pregnancy.
Precautions & monitoring
- Caution with congestive heart disease, edema, severe renal disease or primary hepatic failure. Stabilize Addisonian crisis with intravenous rehydration first; monitor electrolytes and fluid retention.
Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.
Adverse effects
Reported events include thirst/urination changes, lethargy, vomiting and injection-site pain; fluid retention requires assessment.
These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.
Dosing & administration
| Species & indication | Labeled regimen | Eligibility & source |
|---|---|---|
| DogsCanine hypoadrenocorticismPercorten-V suspension 25 mg/mL | Initial 1 mg/lb (2.2 mg/kg) Intramuscular only · Every 25 days initially Long-term, individualized | Electrolyte/clinical response guides adjustments; label maintenance range 0.75–1 mg/lb every 21–30 days. Avoid accidental IV injection. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
| DogsPrimary hypoadrenocorticism mineralocorticoid deficiencyZycortal suspension 25 mg/mL | Initial 2.2 mg/kg (1 mg/lb) Subcutaneous · Initial injection; reassess at days 10 and approximately 25 Long-term, individualized | Subsequent dose/interval depends on clinical status and sodium/potassium; follow full label adjustment algorithm, not automatic monthly repetition. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
Stabilize dehydration/crisis before maintenance therapy; do not substitute routes between brands.
Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗
Drug & supplement interactions
This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.
Percorten-V
U.S. canine intramuscular suspension; label do-not-use warnings.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone can oppose its effects.
Zycortal
U.S. canine subcutaneous suspension.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone may reduce effectiveness.
Monitoring
Check clinical status and sodium/potassium during titration and maintenance.
Client counseling
Keep injection/checkup appointments; report weakness, vomiting, diarrhea or excessive thirst.
This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.
Storage & handling
Shake suspensions thoroughly. Percorten-V: protect from light/freezing; use within four months of opening. Zycortal: do not freeze; use within 120 days of puncture. Both: 25°C, excursions 15–30°C.
Brands, formulations & ingredient identity
Active ingredients
Desoxycorticosterone pivalate
Other searchable names: DOCP · Desoxycortone pivalate · Deoxycorticosterone pivalate
Percorten-V and Zycortal share DOCP, but their labeled routes differ: Percorten-V is intramuscular and Zycortal is subcutaneous.
A common active ingredient does not authorize transferring one brand’s administration instructions or monitoring schedule to the other.
DOCP is a mineralocorticoid replacement; it is not a synonym for prednisone, prednisolone or fludrocortisone.
Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.
Percorten-V
- Formulation
- Intramuscular injectable suspension
- Label / product scope
- Dogs
DOCP with an intramuscular labeled route.
Product label / source ↗Zycortal
- Formulation
- Subcutaneous injectable suspension
- Label / product scope
- Dogs
DOCP with a subcutaneous labeled route; separate product instructions apply.
Product label / source ↗References & review status
Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.
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