section name header

Pronunciation

men-oh-TROE-pins

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: hormones

Pharmacologic Classification: gonadotropins

Indications

REMS


Action

  • A purified form of human pituitary gonadotropins consisting of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In women, FSH causes growth and maturation of the ovarian follicle. LH causes ovulation and development of the corpus luteum. In men, LH causes spermatogenesis.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Ovulation or spermatogenesis, with resultant fertility.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Appears to be well absorbed after IM administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: 8% excreted unchanged in the urine.

Half-Life: FSH: 70 hr; LH: 4 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(effects on reproductive function)
ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
IM, SUBQ (women)unknown18 hrunknown
IM (men)unknown4 mounknown



Women—peak = ovulation after chorionic gonadotropins; men—peak = increased spermatogenesis.



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: edema, THROMBOEMBOLISM, thrombophlebitis

Endo: gynecomastia (men)

GI: abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

GU: pelvic pain, multiple births, ovarian enlargement

Misc: fever

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Availability

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

HMG, Menopur, Pergonal, Repronex