Androgens
Androgens
The therapeutically useful androgens are synthetic derivatives of naturally occurring testosterone. They include:
- fluoxymesterone
- testolactone
- testosterone enanthate
- testosterone propionate.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic androgens resemble those of naturally occurring testosterone.
Absorption
The oral androgens’fluoxymesterone and testolactone’are well absorbed. The parenteral ones’testosterone enanthate and testosterone propionate’are designed specifically for slow absorption after I.M. injection.
Checking the suspension
The duration of the parenteral forms is longer because the oil suspension is absorbed slowly. Parenteral androgens are administered one to three times per week.
Pharmacodynamics
Androgens probably act by one or more mechanisms. They may reduce the number of prolactin receptors or may bind competitively to those that are available.
Keeping its sister hormone in check
Androgens may inhibit estrogen synthesis or competitively bind at estrogen receptors. These actions prevent estrogen from affecting estrogen-sensitive tumors.
Pharmacotherapeutics
Androgens are indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women with bone metastasis.
Drug interactions
Androgens may alter dose requirement in patients receiving insulin, oral antidiabetic drugs, or oral anticoagulants. Taking them with drugs that are toxic to the liver increases the risk of liver toxicity.
Warning!
Adverse reactions to androgens
Nausea and vomiting are the most common adverse reactions to androgens. Fluid retention caused by sodium retention may also occur.
Just for women
Women may develop:
- acne
- clitoral hypertrophy
- deeper voice
- increased facial and body hair
- increased sexual desire
- menstrual irregularity.
Just for men
Men may experience these effects as a result of conversion of steroids to female sex hormone metabolites:
- gynecomastia
- prostatic hyperplasia
- testicular atrophy.
Just for kids
Children may develop:
- premature epiphyseal closure
- secondary sex characteristic developments (especially in boys).
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