Testosterone propionate

Absorption

Testosterone propionate presents a slow absorption from the intramuscular site of administration. This slow absorption is due to the presence of the less polar ester group. The absorption rate of testosterone propionate generates a frequent injection requirement when compared with testosterone enanthate or testosterone cypionate. It presents absorption parameters of AUC and residence time of 180-210 ng h/ml and 40-60 h, respectively.

Toxicity

Reports have showed a potential stimulation of cancerous tissue growth. The potential testosterone propionate accumulation in the body produces a high risk of edema secondaryh to water and sodium retention.

Description

Testosterone propionate is an ester of the hormone testosterone. It has been marketed under many fanciful trade names, including Neo-Hombreol and Bio-Testiculina, to treat androgen deficiencies in male humans and animals. The synthesis of testosterone propionate from Δ4-androsten-4-ol propionate and other steroids was patented by several companies in the 1940s, but the drug is little used today.

The Uses of Testosterone propionate

Testosterone propionate is an is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication, which directs the development of the male phenotype during embryogenesis and at puberty. It has been widely used by athletes and bodybuilders for physical performance enhancement. Testosterone propionate has also been used for studying its effects on pregnant ewes.

Indications

Testosterone propionate is used in veterinary practice in heifers in order to stimulate maximal growth.

Background

Testosterone propionate is a slower-releasing anabolic steroid with a short half-life. It is a synthetic androstane steroid derivative of testosterone in the form of 17β propionate ester of testosterone. Testosterone propionate was developed initially by Watson labs, and FDA approved on February 5, 1974. Currently, this drug has been discontinued in humans, but the vet application is still available as an OTC.

Pharmacokinetics

The administration of testosterone propionate can induce production of proteins related to male sexual development. Clinical trials have shown a decrease in plasma LH after the administration of testosterone propionate.

Metabolism

As all testosterone esters, testosterone propionate is rapidly hydrolysed into free testosterone in plasma. Testosterone is metabolized to 17-keto steroids through two different pathways. The major active metabolites are estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).