Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
PERGONAL vs DANAZOL
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.
Danazol is a synthetic androgen derived from ethisterone that suppresses pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting gonadotropin release, leading to decreased estrogen and progesterone levels. It also has weak androgenic and progestational activity.
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: Treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, hereditary angioedema,Off-label: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, precocious puberty, gynecomastia
Intramuscular administration: 75 IU daily for 7-12 days, then 5,000-10,000 IU h CG 24 hours after last dose.
300-600 mg orally twice daily; maximum 800 mg/day
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 24-36 hours; clinical context: supports daily dosing in ovulation induction protocols.
Terminal elimination half-life is 4-4.5 hours; clinical context: requires multiple daily dosing to maintain therapeutic levels.
Menotropins are metabolized via proteolytic degradation in the liver and kidneys. The metabolic pathways involve hydrolysis into amino acids and smaller peptides.
Primarily hepatic: undergoes oxidation and conjugation via CYP3A4, with metabolites excreted in urine and feces.
Primarily renal: 70-80% as unchanged drug and metabolites within 24 hours; biliary/fecal excretion accounts for <5%.
Primarily hepatic metabolism; approximately 60% excreted in feces, 30% in urine as metabolites.
Approximately 10-15% bound to serum albumin.
Highly protein bound: 97-99%, primarily to albumin.
Vd approximately 0.5-0.6 L/kg, indicating distribution limited to extracellular fluid.
Approximately 1.5 L/kg; indicates extensive distribution into tissues, exceeding total body water.
Intramuscular: approximately 100% bioavailability; subcutaneous: approximately 80-90% relative to IM.
Oral bioavailability is approximately 100% due to extensive absorption, but first-pass metabolism reduces systemic availability to about 70-80%.
No specific guidelines; use with caution in renal impairment as drug excretion may be reduced.
No adjustment required for GFR ≥10 m L/min; avoid use in GFR <10 m L/min due to fluid retention risk
No specific Child-Pugh based modifications; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.
Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B: reduce dose by 50%; Child-Pugh C: contraindicated
Not indicated for pediatric use; no weight-based guidelines established.
2-5 mg/kg/dose orally twice daily; maximum 400 mg/day
Not typically used in elderly; consider age-related decline in ovarian response and increased risk of adverse events.
Start at low end of adult dose, titrate cautiously due to increased risk of fluid retention and thromboembolism
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.
Danazol may cause thrombotic events, including pulmonary embolism and thrombophlebitis. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of thrombosis.
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)
Hepatotoxicity (monitor LFTs), pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension), androgenic effects (hirsutism, acne, voice deepening), lipid changes (decreased HDL, increased LDL), thromboembolic events, and premature closure of epiphyses in children.
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, lactation, porphyria, severe hepatic/renal/cardiac disease, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, history of thromboembolic disorders, androgen-dependent tumors.
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.
Take with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid grapefruit juice as it may alter drug metabolism. Limit alcohol consumption due to increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
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.
Danazol is contraindicated in pregnancy. First trimester exposure is associated with virilization of female fetus including clitoromegaly, labioscrotal fusion, and urogenital sinus abnormalities. Risk in second and third trimesters is also significant due to androgenic effects; fetal growth restriction and preterm birth may occur. No safe gestational period exists.
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.
Danazol is excreted in human milk; M/P ratio not determined. Potential for adverse effects in breastfed infant (e.g., androgenization). Use is contraindicated during breastfeeding due to risk of virilization and other hormonal effects.
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.
Danazol is contraindicated in pregnancy; no dose adjustment recommendations exist. If inadvertently used during pregnancy, discontinue immediately and monitor for fetal effects. Pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy are not studied; dose modifications are not applicable due to contraindication.
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.
Monitor liver function tests; androgenic effects (acne, hirsutism, voice deepening) may occur; use with caution in patients with cardiac or renal impairment; may potentiate warfarin; effective for hereditary angioedema prophylaxis; check pregnancy test before initiation due to teratogenicity.
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.
Do not take if pregnant or planning pregnancy; use effective contraception.,Report symptoms of liver toxicity (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain) immediately.,Avoid alcohol as it may increase hepatotoxicity risk.,May cause weight gain, acne, or voice changes; report if bothersome.,Take with food to reduce GI upset.,Use sunscreen due to photosensitivity risk.,Do not discontinue abruptly; taper under medical supervision.
No interactions on record
"Formestane, an aromatase inhibitor, reduces estrogen synthesis, while danazol, a synthetic androgen, possesses weak androgenic and anabolic activity. Concomitant use may lead to additive fluid retention due to danazol's mineralocorticoid-like effects and formestane's potential to cause fluid retention through estrogen withdrawal. This can result in peripheral edema, hypertension, or exacerbation of heart failure in susceptible patients."
"Danazol, a synthetic androgen with weak androgenic activity, may reduce the therapeutic efficacy of vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The proposed mechanism involves danazol-induced activation of cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP3A4) and potential upregulation of glucagon counter-regulatory pathways, leading to increased vildagliptin clearance and diminished inhibition of DPP-4. Clinically, this interaction may result in elevated postprandial glucose levels and reduced HbA1c reduction, compromising glycemic management."
"Danazol, an androgenic steroid, can induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, particularly CYP2C9, which accelerates the metabolism of glipizide, a sulfonylurea antidiabetic agent. This increased clearance reduces glipizide's plasma concentrations, diminishing its insulinotropic effect and potentially leading to hyperglycemia and loss of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus."
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about PERGONAL vs DANAZOL, 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.. DANAZOL is a Androgen/Antigonadotropin that works by Danazol is a synthetic androgen derived from ethisterone that suppresses pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting gonadotropin release, leading to decreased estrogen and progesterone levels. It also has weak androgenic and progestational activity.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between PERGONAL and DANAZOL 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 DANAZOL is: 300-600 mg orally twice daily; maximum 800 mg/day. 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 DANAZOL 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. DANAZOL is classified as Category C. Danazol is contraindicated in pregnancy. First trimester exposure is associated with virilization of female fetus including clitoromegaly, labioscrotal fusion, and urogenital sinus. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.