Testosterone palmitate: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:29, 16 February 2025

Testosterone Palmitate[edit]

Testosterone palmitate is a synthetic androgen and an anabolic steroid that is a derivative of testosterone. It is an ester of testosterone, specifically the palmitate ester, which is used to modify the pharmacokinetics of the parent hormone.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Testosterone palmitate is characterized by the attachment of a palmitate ester to the 17-beta hydroxyl group of testosterone. This modification increases the lipophilicity of the molecule, allowing it to be administered in an oil-based solution for intramuscular injection. The chemical structure of testosterone palmitate is depicted in the adjacent image.

Pharmacology[edit]

Testosterone palmitate acts as a prodrug of testosterone, meaning it is converted into active testosterone in the body. This conversion occurs after the ester is cleaved by esterase enzymes. The esterification of testosterone with palmitate prolongs the duration of action of the hormone, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to unmodified testosterone.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

As with other androgens, testosterone palmitate exerts its effects by binding to the androgen receptor. This binding initiates a cascade of events that result in the modulation of gene expression, leading to the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics and anabolic effects such as increased muscle mass and bone density.

Clinical Use[edit]

Testosterone palmitate has been used in the treatment of hypogonadism in males, a condition characterized by low levels of endogenous testosterone. It may also be used in certain cases of delayed puberty and in hormone therapy for transgender men.

Administration[edit]

Testosterone palmitate is typically administered via intramuscular injection. The esterification with palmitate allows for a slow release of testosterone from the injection site, providing a sustained effect over a period of time.

Side Effects[edit]

As with other testosterone esters, testosterone palmitate can cause side effects such as acne, gynecomastia, increased hematocrit, and potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Long-term use can also lead to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in decreased spermatogenesis.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Testosterone Palmitate''' is an [[ester]] of [[testosterone]], a naturally occurring [[androgen]]. It is a long-acting [[prodrug]] of testosterone that is less polar than free testosterone. Testosterone palmitate is used in [[androgen replacement therapy]]. It is given by [[intramuscular injection]] and has a longer duration of action than unmodified testosterone.
+== Testosterone Palmitate ==
-==Chemistry==
+[[File:Testosterone_palmitate.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of testosterone palmitate]]
-Testosterone palmitate, also known as testosterone hexadecanoate, is a synthetic [[androstane]] steroid and a derivative of [[testosterone]]. It is an [[androgen ester]]—specifically, the C17β palmitate (hexadecanoate) ester of testosterone. Other important testosterone esters include [[testosterone cypionate]], [[testosterone enanthate]], [[testosterone propionate]], and [[testosterone undecanoate]].
-==Pharmacology==
+'''Testosterone palmitate''' is a synthetic [[androgen]] and an [[anabolic steroid]] that is a derivative of [[testosterone]]. It is an ester of testosterone, specifically the palmitate ester, which is used to modify the pharmacokinetics of the parent hormone.
-As a prodrug of testosterone, testosterone palmitate is considered to be a natural and bioidentical form of testosterone. Once in the body, it is metabolized to yield free testosterone. Compared to unmodified testosterone, the prodrug has improved [[pharmacokinetics]], notably a longer [[half-life]] and duration of action when given by intramuscular injection.
-==Medical Use==
+== Chemical Structure ==
-Testosterone palmitate is used in androgen replacement therapy, primarily in the treatment of [[male hypogonadism]]. It is given by intramuscular injection once every one to two weeks. The medication has a longer duration of action than unmodified testosterone and allows for less frequent administration.
-==Side Effects==
+Testosterone palmitate is characterized by the attachment of a palmitate ester to the 17-beta hydroxyl group of testosterone. This modification increases the lipophilicity of the molecule, allowing it to be administered in an oil-based solution for intramuscular injection. The chemical structure of testosterone palmitate is depicted in the adjacent image.
-Potential side effects of testosterone palmitate include [[androgenic]] effects such as [[acne]], [[hirsutism]], and [[voice deepening]], as well as [[estrogenic]] effects like [[gynecomastia]] and [[fluid retention]]. In addition, the medication can have adverse effects on [[lipid]] profiles and may increase the risk of [[cardiovascular disease]].
-==See Also==
+== Pharmacology ==
-* [[List of androgen esters]]
-* [[List of androgens/anabolic steroids]]
-[[Category:Androgens]]
+Testosterone palmitate acts as a prodrug of testosterone, meaning it is converted into active testosterone in the body. This conversion occurs after the ester is cleaved by [[esterase]] enzymes. The esterification of testosterone with palmitate prolongs the duration of action of the hormone, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to unmodified testosterone.
-[[Category:Androgen esters]]
-[[Category:Prodrugs]]
-[[Category:Testosterone]]
-{{Androgen-stub}}
+=== Mechanism of Action ===
-{{Medicine-stub}}
+As with other androgens, testosterone palmitate exerts its effects by binding to the [[androgen receptor]]. This binding initiates a cascade of events that result in the modulation of gene expression, leading to the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics and anabolic effects such as increased muscle mass and bone density.
+== Clinical Use ==
+Testosterone palmitate has been used in the treatment of [[hypogonadism]] in males, a condition characterized by low levels of endogenous testosterone. It may also be used in certain cases of delayed puberty and in hormone therapy for transgender men.
+== Administration ==
+Testosterone palmitate is typically administered via intramuscular injection. The esterification with palmitate allows for a slow release of testosterone from the injection site, providing a sustained effect over a period of time.
+== Side Effects ==
+As with other testosterone esters, testosterone palmitate can cause side effects such as [[acne]], [[gynecomastia]], increased [[hematocrit]], and potential adverse effects on the [[cardiovascular system]]. Long-term use can also lead to suppression of the [[hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis]], resulting in decreased [[spermatogenesis]].
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Testosterone]]
+* [[Androgen]]
+* [[Anabolic steroid]]
+* [[Hypogonadism]]
+{{Androgens and anabolic steroids}}
+[[Category:Androgens and anabolic steroids]]