Somatropin
Generic Details
Generic Name
Somatropin
Other Names
- Human Growth Hormone
- HGH
Drug Class
- Hormone
- Growth Promoter
Chemical Formula
C990H1529N263O299S7
Molecular Weight
22,125.0 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Stimulates growth and cell reproduction
Indications
- Pediatric growth hormone deficiency
- Turner syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease
- Muscle wasting in HIV/AIDS
- Short bowel syndrome
Common Dosage Forms
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- 0.1-0.3 mg/kg/day
Pediatric Dosage
- Varies based on weight and condition, typically starting at 0.1 mg/kg/day
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustment may be necessary based on individual response
Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Edema
- Hypertension
- Hyperglycemia
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Acute critical illness
Pregnancy Category
- Category B
Lactation Safety
- Compatible with breastfeeding, monitor for growth in infant
Drug Interactions
- Insulin
- Oral hypoglycemic agents
- Corticosteroids
Overdose Symptoms
- Hypoglycemia
- Edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Antidote for Overdose
- Symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C, do not freeze
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapid and complete after subcutaneous injection
- Distribution: Mainly in the liver, kidney, and muscle tissues
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Primarily excreted in the urine
Precautions
- Monitor glucose levels in diabetic patients
- Monitor thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism
Warnings
- Increased risk of intracranial hypertension in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome
- Monitor for signs of leukemia in patients with short stature due to chronic renal insufficiency
Others
- Somatropin should not be used for growth promotion in children with closed epiphyses