Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
PERGONAL vs CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Pergonal (menotropins) is a purified preparation of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone, LH) extracted from postmenopausal urine. It stimulates ovarian follicular growth and maturation in women and spermatogenesis in men by acting on specific gonadal receptors.
Chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) binds to the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on the surface of gonadal cells, stimulating steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. In females, it triggers ovulation and luteinization; in males, it stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.
Induction of ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary disease or anovulatory infertility not due to primary ovarian failure,Stimulation of multiple follicular development in ovulatory patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART),Induction of spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (in combination with h CG)
FDA-approved: Induction of ovulation in infertile females (as part of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation),FDA-approved: Treatment of prepubertal cryptorchidism,FDA-approved: Treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males,Off-label: Weight loss (not recommended),Off-label: In vitro fertilization protocols
Intramuscular administration: 75 IU daily for 7-12 days, then 5,000-10,000 IU h CG 24 hours after last dose.
For hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 1000-2000 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week. For ovulation induction: 5000-10,000 IU intramuscularly as a single dose.
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 24-36 hours; clinical context: supports daily dosing in ovulation induction protocols.
Biphasic: initial half-life ~11 hours, terminal half-life ~23–30 hours. Single-dose half-life ~32 hours; repeated dosing may extend due to accumulation.
Menotropins are metabolized via proteolytic degradation in the liver and kidneys. The metabolic pathways involve hydrolysis into amino acids and smaller peptides.
Primarily metabolized in the liver via proteolytic degradation; undergoes renal excretion with a half-life of 24-36 hours.
Primarily renal: 70-80% as unchanged drug and metabolites within 24 hours; biliary/fecal excretion accounts for <5%.
Primarily renal; intact h CG is excreted in urine. Negligible biliary/fecal elimination.
Approximately 10-15% bound to serum albumin.
Approximately 80% bound; binds to albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with low affinity.
Vd approximately 0.5-0.6 L/kg, indicating distribution limited to extracellular fluid.
0.3–0.5 L/kg; distributes into extracellular fluid, gonadal tissues, and poorly into fat.
Intramuscular: approximately 100% bioavailability; subcutaneous: approximately 80-90% relative to IM.
IM/SC: ~40% to 100% (mean ~78%) due to variable absorption; IV: 100% (not typical). Oral: negligible (<1% due to degradation).
No specific guidelines; use with caution in renal impairment as drug excretion may be reduced.
No specific dose adjustment guidelines available; use with caution in severe renal impairment (GFR <30 m L/min/1.73 m²).
No specific Child-Pugh based modifications; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.
No specific dose adjustment guidelines available; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).
Not indicated for pediatric use; no weight-based guidelines established.
Cryptorchidism: 500-1000 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks. Delayed puberty: 500-1500 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week.
Not typically used in elderly; consider age-related decline in ovarian response and increased risk of adverse events.
No specific dose adjustments; monitor for fluid retention and cardiovascular effects.
Pergonal should only be used by physicians who are experienced in fertility disorders and in settings where monitoring of estradiol levels and follicular development through ultrasound is possible. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur, which can be severe and is characterized by sudden ovarian enlargement, ascites, pleural effusion, oliguria, and thromboembolic events. Multiple births are increased.
None. However, use in females requires careful monitoring to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be severe.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS),Thromboembolic events,Ovarian torsion,Ovarian enlargement,Multiple gestation,Ectopic pregnancy,Spontaneous abortion,Ovarian neoplasms (long-term use),Pulmonary complications (atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome)
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Risk of severe OHSS with ascites, pleural effusion, and thromboembolic events,Multiple pregnancy: Increased risk due to ovulation induction,Thromboembolic events: Increased risk, especially in patients with prior history,Ovarian enlargement: Monitor with ultrasound,Hormonal-dependent malignancies: Caution in patients with prior history
High levels of FSH indicating primary ovarian failure,Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction,Pituitary tumor,Ovarian cyst or enlargement of unknown origin,Abnormal vaginal bleeding of undetermined cause,Pregnancy,Sex hormone-dependent tumors (e.g., breast, uterus)
Pregnancy,Primary ovarian failure,Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction,Active thromboembolic disorder,Hormone-sensitive tumors (e.g., prostate, breast, ovarian),Hypersensitivity to h CG or any component
No known food interactions. Maintain adequate hydration to help reduce the risk of OHSS; avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine as they may contribute to dehydration.
No known food interactions.
Pergonal (menotropins) is a gonadotropin used for ovulation induction. In vitro studies show no evidence of teratogenicity; however, there is a risk of multiple gestation (20% twinning rate, higher order multiples less common). No specific fetal malformations are attributed to the drug. First trimester exposure is not associated with major congenital anomalies. Second and third trimester risks are minimal as the drug is not continued after pregnancy is achieved.
Chorionic gonadotropin is a pregnancy hormone; exogenous use during first trimester may theoretically alter placental hormone balance, but no increased risk of congenital anomalies has been established. However, use during pregnancy is contraindicated except as part of assisted reproductive technology protocols where its role is physiological. No fetal risks documented from therapeutic use in second or third trimester.
No data available on excretion into breast milk. Pergonal is not indicated during breastfeeding. The M/P ratio is unknown. Due to the hormonal nature and potential for adverse effects in infants, breastfeeding is not recommended during therapy.
Chorionic gonadotropin is not orally bioavailable and is likely degraded in infant gastrointestinal tract. Excretion into breast milk is unknown; M/P ratio not established. However, due to its protein nature, transfer is expected to be minimal. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended unless clearly necessary; theoretical risk of hormonal effects on infant.
No dosing adjustments are required in pregnancy because Pergonal is discontinued once pregnancy is confirmed. Treatment is typically stopped after ovulation and conception. Pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy do not apply as the drug is not used during gestation.
No pharmacokinetic dose adjustments are recommended in pregnancy as the drug is typically administered only prior to conception or in early pregnancy for luteal phase support. The endogenous hormone levels in pregnancy far exceed exogenous doses. No dose modification required in later trimesters because use is contraindicated.
Pergonal (menotropins) is a human menopausal gonadotropin used for ovulation induction. Monitor estradiol levels and follicular growth via ultrasound to minimize ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestation. Administer IM only; do not use if solution is cloudy or contains particles. Concomitant use with Gn RH agonists may require dose adjustments. Discontinue if severe ovarian enlargement or pain occurs.
Chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) is used to trigger ovulation in assisted reproduction and to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males. Monitor for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women; discontinue if severe. Do not use in women with primary ovarian failure. In males, may cause gynecomastia or fluid retention.
This medication is injected into a muscle; your healthcare provider will show you how to prepare and give the injection.,You will need frequent blood tests and ultrasound exams to monitor your response to the medication and reduce risks.,The most common serious side effects are ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancy. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience severe pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or rapid weight gain.,Store unused vials in the refrigerator; do not freeze. Protect from light. Discard any unused portion after opening.,Do not use if you are already pregnant or have ovarian cysts, abnormal vaginal bleeding, thyroid or adrenal disorders, or pituitary tumors.
Report abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or rapid weight gain (signs of OHSS).,In males, report breast tenderness or swelling, or fluid retention (swollen ankles/feet).,Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding unless directed by a specialist.,For fertility: timing of intercourse or IUI is critical; follow cycle monitoring closely.,In males: take as prescribed for testicular descent or hypogonadism; may require multiple doses.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about PERGONAL vs CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, answered by our medical review team.
PERGONAL is a Gonadotropin that works by Pergonal (menotropins) is a purified preparation of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone, LH) extracted from postmenopausal urine. It stimulates ovarian follicular growth and maturation in women and spermatogenesis in men by acting on specific gonadal receptors.. CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN is a Gonadotropin Hormone that works by Chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) binds to the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on the surface of gonadal cells, stimulating steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. In females, it triggers ovulation and luteinization; in males, it stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between PERGONAL and CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of PERGONAL is: Intramuscular administration: 75 IU daily for 7-12 days, then 5,000-10,000 IU h CG 24 hours after last dose.. The standard adult dose of CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN is: For hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 1000-2000 IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2-3 times per week. For ovulation induction: 5000-10,000 IU intramuscularly as a single dose.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between PERGONAL and CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. PERGONAL is classified as Category C. Pergonal (menotropins) is a gonadotropin used for ovulation induction. In vitro studies show no evidence of teratogenicity; however, there is a risk of multiple gestation (20% twin. CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN is classified as Category C. Chorionic gonadotropin is a pregnancy hormone; exogenous use during first trimester may theoretically alter placental hormone balance, but no increased risk of congenital anomalies. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.