Effect of glucocorticoids and ACTH on antipyrine clearance in children

Administration of dexamethasone and infusion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to children for periods up to 4 days did not alter the half-life, apparent volume of distribution, or metabolic clearance rate of antipyrine, a drug principally metabolized by the mixed-function oxidase system of the liver. We conclude that the short-term administration of glucocorticoids and ACTH with ensuing stimulation of endogenous glucocorticoid production is unlikely to produce clinically significant changes in the rate of drug metabolism.