Somatropin: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Somatropin is a prescription growth hormone given as an injection. It is used to help certain children grow taller and to treat growth hormone deficiency in children or adults.
Somatropin can support growth in selected patients, but the indication and dose must be individualized by a clinician. Regular monitoring is needed to check growth, blood sugar, thyroid function, and other possible problems.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- H01AC01
- RxNorm
- 61148
- Generic
- Somatropin
- Class
- atc-h01
- Brands
- Zomacton, Humatrope, Genotropin, Norditropin, Saizen, Nutropin, Zorbtive, Omnitrope, Serostim
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, solution, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.15-0.3 mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.025-0.05 mg/kg/day
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.2 mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if growth hormone deficiency treatment is critical
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
consider discontinuation as delivery approaches
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue
not recommended during breastfeeding due to limited data
infant growth monitoring if continued
geriatric
elderlylower starting dose recommended
start at reduced dose, monitor for adverse effects including fluid retention and glucose intolerance
regular monitoring of IGF-1 glucose and for signs of fluid retention
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsweight-based dosing
standard dosing for approved pediatric indications including GHD Turner syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome
regular growth monitoring thyroid function glucose IGF-1 and for scoliosis progression
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentdose reduction may be required
use with caution in patients with renal impairment monitor renal function
monitor renal function and IGF-1 levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentdose adjustment may be necessary
use with caution as liver metabolizes growth hormone monitor liver function
monitor liver enzymes and IGF-1 levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
First FDA approval year
First recombinant human growth hormone approval
Drug class
Peptide hormone - recombinant DNA origin
Primary indications
FDA-approved therapeutic indications
Route of administration
Standard administration route for growth hormone therapy
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy