Zycortal® Injection for Dogs with Addison’s Disease

Zycortal is a veterinary mineralocorticoid replacement used for canine Addison’s disease. It helps stabilize sodium and potassium levels so dogs can feel better and stay active. You can order with US delivery from Canada, and review options if you pay without insurance.

What Zycortal® Is and How It Works

Zycortal is an injectable suspension containing desoxycorticosterone pivalate, the standard mineralocorticoid used to treat primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. It replaces the hormone action usually provided by aldosterone, helping the kidneys retain sodium and excrete potassium. As electrolyte balance improves, many dogs regain energy, appetite, and hydration.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine is given by a veterinarian or trained caregiver as a subcutaneous injection. It is long-acting. Most dogs need repeat injections on an individualized schedule set by the prescriber. Monitoring of electrolytes guides any dose or interval adjustments. Your prescriber may also add a daily glucocorticoid, since mineralocorticoids alone do not provide cortisol support.

For condition education and care references, see our category page for Addison Disease.

Who It’s For

This treatment is intended for dogs diagnosed with primary hypoadrenocorticism. It can also be used in dogs with atypical Addison’s that later develop mineralocorticoid deficiency. It is not for healthy pets or for conditions unrelated to adrenal hormone deficiency.

Dogs with known hypersensitivity to any component should avoid it. Use caution in dogs with significant heart, kidney, or uncontrolled hypertension, because mineralocorticoid effects can increase fluid retention and blood pressure. Puppies, pregnant, or lactating dogs require individualized veterinary guidance based on risk and benefit.

Dosage and Usage

Per the approved label, your veterinarian will determine the starting dose, typically calculated on body weight and given subcutaneously. The injection is a milky suspension that must be vigorously shaken before use. Do not give intravenously. Use aseptic technique and appropriate syringes and needles for safe administration.

After the first dose, clinicians usually check serum electrolytes within about two weeks to guide adjustments. Follow-up labs and clinical checks help set the maintenance interval, often around every three to four weeks, though some dogs may need more or less frequent dosing. Ask your prescriber for handling instructions if you are trained to give injections at home. Any changes to treatment should follow professional advice and the official label.

For clarity in caregiver discussions, many prescribers refer to Zycortal dosage for dogs as weight-based and individualized. The exact plan should come from your dog’s clinician.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as an injectable suspension in a multi-dose vial. Label concentrations are published as Zycortal 25 mg/mL. Common pack size is a 4 mL vial, though availability can vary by market and time.

Always verify the vial concentration and remaining volume before preparing a dose. Shake well until uniformly mixed, and use only if the suspension redistributes fully after agitation.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled injection is missed or delayed, contact your veterinarian for guidance. The plan may involve giving the next dose as soon as feasible and rechecking electrolytes. Do not double up without professional advice. Watch your dog for signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness, and seek care promptly if symptoms appear.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store vials at room temperature as directed on the label, in the original carton, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat, and keep the vial upright with the cap secured to prevent leaks. Discard if the suspension will not resuspend after shaking, or if contamination is suspected.

For travel, carry the vial in a protective case with your prescription information. A written note from your veterinarian can help when flying. Pack syringes safely and comply with local regulations. Keep medicines in your hand luggage to avoid temperature extremes. For broader veterinary pharmacy options, explore Pet Medications. To see items sourced from Canada, visit Canada.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This medicine comes in a vial, not a pen. Use sterile syringes and needles for each injection. Do not reuse needles. Place used sharps in an approved puncture-resistant container. Follow local rules for disposal at pharmacies or community collection sites. Keep sharps away from children and pets.

Benefits

As a mineralocorticoid replacement, this therapy helps normalize sodium and potassium in dogs with Addison’s disease. Stable electrolytes support hydration, normal blood pressure, and healthy heart rhythm. Caregivers often appreciate the once-monthly maintenance pattern. With good adherence and monitoring, many dogs maintain quality of life with routine activity.

Side Effects and Safety

• Injection site reactions: mild swelling, warmth, or tenderness
• Increased thirst or urination when doses are too high
• Lethargy, reduced appetite, or diarrhea in some dogs
• Electrolyte shifts that may need dose or interval adjustments

Serious effects are uncommon but can include edema, worsening hypertension, or heart strain when mineralocorticoid effects are excessive. Signs of severe Addisonian crisis, such as collapse or shock, are medical emergencies requiring immediate care. If vomiting persists, your veterinarian may consider an antiemetic like Cerenia as part of supportive care. Discuss any concerns before changing routines. For search clarity, common queries such as Zycortal side effects refer to the above profile and official labeling.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines and supplements your dog takes. Spironolactone and other potassium-sparing agents may oppose mineralocorticoid effects. ACE inhibitors or diuretics may require extra monitoring of blood pressure and renal function. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may add fluid or kidney risks in susceptible dogs. Daily glucocorticoid therapy is often paired with this treatment to provide cortisol support; dose and product selection are individualized.

What to Expect Over Time

After starting, your dog’s electrolyte targets are refined with lab checks and clinical exams. Many dogs show improved hydration, appetite, and energy over the first few weeks as balance is restored. Long-term success depends on regular injections, daily glucocorticoid support when prescribed, and scheduled monitoring. Keep a log of dosing dates, appetite, water intake, and any symptoms. Use reminders on your calendar to avoid delays. If your dog has another endocrine condition, our overview on Insulin For Dogs may help you organize questions for your next visit.

Compare With Alternatives

Other mineralocorticoid replacements include fludrocortisone tablets and another desoxycorticosterone product (Percorten-V). Fludrocortisone is oral and has both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity; dose titration and monitoring are required. The injectable alternative is similar in class and mechanism, with dosing schedules set by the prescriber. Many dogs also need a separate glucocorticoid. For that role, your doctor may choose Cortef Hydrocortisone, taken by mouth to provide cortisol support alongside the injection.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy rates and veterinary dispensing can offer value for pet families. Check the current Zycortal price by selecting your vial size and starting a cart to see options. We provide transparent details so you can compare choices and plan care with your prescriber. Ordering includes US delivery from Canada when your valid prescription is confirmed.

Looking for seasonal offers or manufacturer updates? See available options on our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by region and time. If your preferred vial is unavailable, your veterinarian may suggest a suitable alternative product or an interim plan. There is no widely available Zycortal generic approved for dogs at this time; decisions about substitutions should follow your prescriber’s advice and the official veterinary label.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are dogs with confirmed Addison’s disease needing mineralocorticoid replacement. Dogs with advanced heart or kidney issues require careful oversight and gradual adjustments. Weight changes may affect dose requirements. Keep follow-up appointments to avoid swings in electrolytes.

• Multi-month planning: ask about two or three vials per fill when appropriate
• Lab coordination: schedule bloodwork to match refill timing
• Reminders: set calendar alerts for injection days and labs
• Travel prep: carry a written prescription and clinic contact details

If you want a broader look at antimicrobial use in pets, see our overview Clavamox For Dogs to learn about safety conversations with your clinician. While not related to Addison’s, it shows how to discuss risks and monitoring for common therapies.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting plan: how will you calculate the first dose and interval?
• Monitoring: when should sodium and potassium be checked after the first injection?
• Companion therapy: which daily glucocorticoid and dose should my dog take?
• Adjustments: what signs suggest the interval or amount needs change?
• Safety: how will we manage blood pressure or kidney concerns if they arise?
• Home use: what training do I need to give injections safely and dispose of sharps?
• Travel: what documents and packing steps keep the vial secure on trips?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Manufacturer: Dechra

Ready to get started? Add to cart, upload your prescription, and we’ll arrange US delivery from Canada with prompt, express shipping; prescription required and verified. This information is not a substitute for veterinary advice; always follow your prescriber and the official label.