Drug reference

human chorionic gonadotropin

Recombinant / purified human chorionic gonadotropin (gonadotropin) · Assisted reproductive technology, treatment of male infertility, treatment of cryptorchidism, diagnostic agent

START

Ovulation trigger: 5,000–10,000 IU IM/SC single; hypogonadism: 1,000–4,000 IU IM 2–3×/wk

TYPICAL MAX

10,000 IU single dose (trigger)

STOP IF

OHSS signs, thromboembolism, or precocious puberty

WATCH

Follicular tracking / OHSS surveillance; testosterone levels (hypogonadism)

CDSCO approvedATC G03GA01

Dose laddermg/d

Renal dose adjustmenteGFR mL/min/1.73m²

KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label

Pharmacokineticsplasma · t hours

ONSET: 4h · absorption
PEAK: 9h · serum Cmax
t½: 1.3d · t½
DURATION: 1.5d · ovulation

EXCRETION

Renal — intact hCG / metabolites

route + CYP

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Contraindicated in established pregnancy (used in ART / luteal-phase only).

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Glycoprotein hormone that mimics LH at LH/CG receptors — induces ovulation / luteal support in females and stimulates testicular testosterone / spermatogenesis in males; used in ART, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and cryptorchidism.

Indications

Ovulation induction (with FSH) in ARTTrigger of final follicular maturation in IVFHypogonadotropic hypogonadism (male, secondary)Cryptorchidism (paediatric, prepubertal)Luteal-phase support after ART

Dosing

Adult: Ovulation trigger: 5,000–10,000 IU IM/SC single dose after FSH stimulation. Hypogonadism: 1,000–4,000 IU IM 2–3 times weekly. Cryptorchidism: 4,000 IU IM 3 times weekly for 3 weeks.
Pediatric: Cryptorchidism: 500–4,000 IU IM (per protocol).
Renal adjustment: No specific adjustment.
Hepatic adjustment: No specific adjustment.
Geriatric: Not applicable to typical indications.
Max dose: 10,000 IU single dose (ovulation trigger)

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Ovulation ~36 h after trigger; testosterone rise within days

Peak effect

~6–12 h (Tmax serum)

Duration

Action lasts days (long t½)

Half-life

~24–36 h

Bioavailability

SC ~80%; IM ~70%

Protein binding

Not applicable (glycoprotein hormone)

Metabolism

Proteolytic catabolism

Excretion

Renal (urinary excretion of intact hCG used in pregnancy tests)

Contraindications

Sex hormone-dependent tumours (prostate, breast)
Precocious puberty
Hypersensitivity

Side effects

Common

Injection-site reactionsHeadacheFatigueFluid retentionMild gynaecomastia (males)

Serious

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Multiple pregnancy (with ART)
Thromboembolism (with OHSS)
Precocious puberty in paediatric use

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Contraindicated in established pregnancy (used in ART / luteal-phase only).

Lactation

Not applicable.

Drug interactions

Anticoagulants

Moderate

Database

OHSS increases VTE risk

VTE prophylaxis if OHSS develops

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Aromatase Inhibitors

Moderate

Database

Possible interference with oestrogen suppression

Avoid concurrent

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

No Clinically Significant Interactions Identified

Moderate

Database

No known clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions have been well-documented for human chorionic gonadotropin with commonly prescribed drugs in India or globally. Its use is generally safe in terms of drug interactions.

No specific management required for drug-drug interactions with human chorionic gonadotropin. Standard monitoring for the underlying condition and potential side effects of hCG itself should be followed.

Fsh

Mild

Database

Sequential in ART (intended)

Per protocol

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Gnrh Agonists

Mild

Database

Sequential in ART

Per ART protocol

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla