Veterinary Drug Handbook (VDH) is the reference veterinarians turn to when they want an independent source of information on the drugs that are used in veterinary medicine today.

CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG)

Chemistry - A gonad-stimulating polypeptide secreted by the placenta, chorionic gonadotropin isobtained from the urine of pregnant women. It occurs as a white or practically white, amorphous, lyophilized powder. It is soluble in water and practically insoluble in alcohol. One International
Unit of HCG is equal to one USP unit. There are at least 1500 USP Units per mg.
Chorionic gonadotropin has many synonyms, including human chorionic gonadotropin, HCG, hCG, CG, chorionic gonadotrophin, pregnancy-urine hormone, and PU.

Storage, Stability, Compatibility

Chorionic gonadotropin powder for injection should be storedat room temperature (15-30°C) and protected from light. After reconstitution, the resultant solutionis stable for 30-90 days (depending on the product) when stored at 2-15°C.

Pharmacology - CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG)

HCG mimics quite closely the effects of luteinizing hormone (LH), but also hassome FSH-like activity. In males, HCG can stimulate the differentiation of, and androgen production by, testicular interstitial (Leydig) cells. It may also stimulate testicular descent when noanatomical abnormality is present.
In females, HCG will stimulate the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, and can induceovulation (possibly also in patients with cystic ovaries). In the bitch, HCG will induce estrogensecretion.
Uses, Indications - The veterinary product's labeled indication is for "parenteral use in cows forthe treatment of nymphomania (frequent or constant heat) due to cystic ovaries." It has been usedfor other purposes in several species, refer to the Dosage section for more information.

Pharmacokinetics - CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG)

HCG is destroyed in the GI tract after oral administration, so it must be givenparenterally. After IM injection, peak plasma levels occur in about 6 hours.
HCG is distributed primarily to the ovaries in females and to the testes in males, but some mayalso be distributed to the proximal tubules in the renal cortex.
HCG is eliminated from the blood in biphasic manner. The initial elimination half-life is about 11hours and the terminal half-life is approximately 23 hours.
Contraindications/Precautions - In humans, HCG is contraindicated in patients with prostaticcarcinoma or other androgen-dependent neoplasias, precocious puberty or having a previous hypersensitivity reaction to HCG. No labeled contraindications for veterinary patients were noted, butthe above human contraindications should be used as guidelines.
Antibody production to this hormone has been reported after repetitive use, resulting in diminishedeffect.

Adverse Effects, Warnings

Potentially, hypersensitivity reactions are possible with this agent.
HCG may cause abortion in mares prior to the 35th day of pregnancy, perhaps due to increasedestrogen levels. No other reported adverse reactions were noted for veterinary patients.
In humans, HCG has caused pain at the injection site, gynecomastia, headache, depression, irritability and edema.
Overdosage - No overdosage cases have been reported with HCG.

Drug Interactions

No interactions have apparently been reported with HCG.
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