What are the possible interactions of HCG with other medications?

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is given to women who have experienced irregular menstrual cycles or have experienced secondary infertility after having a baby. This hormone can also be used to trigger ovulation in women who are trying to get pregnant. It is also used in combination with other drugs to help prevent or treat certain types of cancer by boosting the immune system. The hCG hormone is produced by the same cells in the body that produce normal human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). However, hCG produced by the body is not identical to hCG produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This article explains what you need to know about the interactions between hCG and other drugs. Read on to learn more about this hormone and how it can affect your treatment if you are taking other drugs.

What are the possible interactions between hCG and other drugs?

The hCG hormone has been found to interact with drugs in several ways. The risk of adverse effects from these interactions can vary between individuals. Some of these interactions can be serious and require medical attention. Here is a list of some of the drugs that interact with hCG:

Antibiotics

hCG can interfere with the way some antibiotics work in your body. This can cause the antibiotics to be less effective against infections. It can also cause some antibiotics to have no effect at all. Some antibiotics that can be affected include: Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid, Ciprofloxacin, Cefazolin, Cefprozil, Cephadroxil, Cefotaxime, Erythromycin, Ertapenem, Imipenem, Nitrofurantoin, Teicoplanin, and Vancomycin.

Antidepressants

hCG can interfere with the way some antidepressants work in your body. This can cause the antidepressants to be less effective against depression. In some cases, hCG can cause the antidepressants to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Some antidepressants that can be affected include: Amitriptyline, Citalopram, Desvenlafaxine, Doxepin, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, and Venlafaxine.

Chemotherapy

hCG can interfere with the way some chemotherapy drugs work in your body. This can cause the chemotherapy drugs to be less effective against cancer. This can also make you more likely to experience side effects from the chemotherapy drugs. Some chemotherapy drugs that can be affected include: 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Methotrexate, and Vincristine.

Progesterone

hCG can interfere with the way some drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against these conditions. Some drugs that can be affected include: Amiloride, Atenolol, Chlorthalidone, Diltiazem, Doxazosin, Doxepin, Enalapril, Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Nifedipine, Nitroglycerin, Nitroprusside, Propanolol, and Trandolapril.

Anticonvulsants

hCG can interfere with the way some drugs that are used to treat epilepsy work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against epilepsy. Some drugs that can be affected include: Carbamazepine, Clonazepam, Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine, Pregabalin, and Tegretol.

Antipsychotics

hCG can interfere with the way some antipsychotic drugs work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against psychosis. Some drugs that can be affected include: Aripiprazole, Brexpiprazole, Clozapine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone, and Ziprasidone.

Beta-Blockers

hCG can interfere with the way some beta-blockers work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against high blood pressure. Some drugs that can be affected include: Atenolol, Bupropion, Carvedilol, Propranolol, and Timolol.

Digoxin

hCG can interfere with the way some drugs that are used to treat heart conditions work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against these conditions. Some drugs that can be affected include: Adenosine, Amiodarone, Digoxin, Flecainide, Lisinopril, and Propranolol.

Immunosuppressants

hCG can interfere with the way some drugs that are used to treat the immune system work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against infections. Some drugs that can be affected include: Cyclosporin, Diltiazem, Doxorubicin, Gemcitabine, Methotrexate, Mycophenolic Acid, Tacrolimus, and Triptorelin.

Laxatives

hCG can interfere with the way some laxatives work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against constipation. Some drugs that can be affected include: Bisacodyl, Castor Oil, Psyllium, and Senna.

Liver-Protecting Drugs

hCG can interfere with the way some drugs that are used to protect the liver work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against liver damage. Some drugs that can be affected include: Atazanavir, Bupropion, Cyclosporin, Diltiazem, Doxycycline, Fosamprenavir, Itraconazole, Metronidazole, and Ritonavir.

Painkillers

hCG can interfere with the way some drugs that are used to treat pain work in your body. This can cause these drugs to be less effective against pain. Some drugs that can be affected include: Amitriptyline, Cyclobenzaprine, Diclofenac, Diltiazem, Dihydrocodeine, Doxycycline, Fentanyl, Ibuprofen, Lidocaine, Morphine, and Paracetamol.

Summary

The hCG hormone has been found to interact with drugs in several ways. The risk of adverse effects from these interactions can vary between individuals. Some of these interactions can be serious and require medical attention. If you are taking hCG and any of these drugs, you should tell your doctor about it. Your healthcare provider should monitor you more closely if you are taking any of these drugs. Your healthcare provider may also change the amount of hCG that you are taking if you need to take a different medication with it.