Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Synonyms :
Choriogonadotropin alfa, Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG
Mechanism :
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a polypeptide hormone produced by the human placenta, is composed of an alpha and a beta sub-unit. The alpha sub-unit is essentially identical to the alpha sub-units of the human pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as to the alpha sub-unit of human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The beta sub-units of these hormones differ in amino acid sequence. Chorionic gonadotropin for injection, is a highly purified pyrogen-free preparation obtained from the urine of pregnant females. It is standardized by a biological assay procedure.
Indication :
- Prepubertal cryptorchidism not due to anatomical obstruction.
- Hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency in males.
- Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory, infertile woman in whom the cause of anovulation is secondary.
Contraindications :
Precocious puberty, prostatic carcinoma or other androgen-dependent neoplasm, prior allergic reaction to HCG are contraindications for its use.
Dosing :
Prepubertal cryptorchidism not due to anatomical obstruction:
Children between the ages of 4 and 9 years: The various schedules can be used:
4,000 Units IM thrice a week for three weeks.
5,000 Units IM every alternate day for four injections.
15 injections of 500 to 1,000 Units IM over six weeks.
4,500 Units IM thrice a week for four to six weeks. If this treatment regimen is not effective, another series is begun after one month, giving 1,000 Units per injectable dose.
Hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency in males:
500 to 1,000 Units IM thrice a week for three weeks, followed by the same dose two times a week for three weeks.
4,000 Units IM thrice a week for six to nine months, following which the dosage may be reduced to 2,000 Units thrice a week for 3 months.
Adverse Effect :
Headache, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, depression, edema, gynecomastia, precocious puberty, pain at the site of injection, ovarian cyst, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Interaction :
None.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.