|
Formulation | Dosage | Points to consider |
|
Injectable agents |
For quicker benefits |
Aqueous suspension of testosterone | 25–50 mg every 1–2 weeks | Increased frequency of administration |
Medium duration |
Testosterone enanthate | 250 mg every 2–3 weeks | Wide fluctuation in testosterone levels |
Testosterone cypionate | 200 mg every 2–3 weeks | Multiple injections |
Testosterone propionate | 100 mg every 2 weeks | Relatively higher risk of polycythemia |
Longer duration |
Testosterone undecanoate | 1000 mg every 10–14 weeks | Pain at the injection site Risk of venous thrombosis |
|
Oral agents |
Testosterone undecanoate | 40–80 mg BID/TID with meals | Variable absorption; multiple doses |
Oral testosterone undecanoate is a 17-β-undecylate molecule that is not hepatotoxic, and the variability in absorption with fatty meals is negligible |
|
Buccal agents |
Buccal bioadhesive testosterone tablets | 30 mg controlled-release bioadhesive tablets BID | Gum-related adverse events in 16% of treated men |
|
Topical agents |
Testosterone gel | Available in sachets, tubes, and pumps | Possible transfer during intimate contact Daily administration |
|
Transdermal agents |
Transdermal testosterone patch | 1–2 patches, designed to normally deliver 5–10 mg testosterone over 24 hours, applied every day on nonpressure areas | Skin irritation at the application site |
|
Subcutaneous |
Surgical implants | 2–6 pellets implanted subcutaneously | Require surgical incision for insertion Pellets may extrude spontaneously |
|