Andractim gel 2.5% (Dihydrotestosterone), 80 g: profile, composition and research
Reference page for Andractim gel 2.5% (Dihydrotestosterone), 80 g. Active substance: Дигидротестостерон (андростанолон) / Dihydrotestosterone (androstanolone).
- What it is: a gel containing dihydrotestosterone (androstanolone) at 2.5%, made in France.
- Presentation: gel for topical use, 80 g tube.
- Status: prescription-only medicine from the hormonal group.
- Research: work on topical androgen therapy and testosterone replacement in hypogonadism, links below.
- Where to buy: APV Pharmacy (price and availability there).
Key facts
| Active substance | Dihydrotestosterone (androstanolone) 2.5% |
|---|---|
| Form | Gel for topical use |
| Strength | 2.5 g of dihydrotestosterone per 100 g of gel |
| Pack size | 80 g tube |
| Category | Prescription medicine |
| Article (SKU) |
What dihydrotestosterone is
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a naturally occurring male sex hormone. It is formed in the body from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase and is considerably more potent than the parent molecule. Many androgen effects in the skin, hair follicles and prostate are mediated by it.
Andractim is made in France: developed by Laboratoires Besins International, with Delpharm Drogenbos in Belgium as the manufacturing site. In the gel the substance appears under the name androstanolone at a concentration of 2.5%, that is 2.5 g per 100 g of base. Besides the active component the formulation contains carbomer 980, triethanolamine, 96% ethanol and purified water.
The alcohol base evaporates quickly from the skin surface. Because of the ethanol content the gel is flammable, so the tube is kept away from open flame and out of reach of children.
How a topical androgen works
Biological role
Dihydrotestosterone binds the same receptors as testosterone but forms a more stable complex. It takes part in the development of male sexual characteristics and influences prostate function, male-pattern hair growth and skin thickness.
The route through the skin
Applied to the skin, the substance crosses the stratum corneum and enters the bloodstream while bypassing first-pass metabolism in the liver. That route makes it possible to maintain an androgen level without injections.
Where it sits in therapy
The topical form does not replace every other androgen option. The choice between gel, injections and other dosage forms is made by a physician after assessment.
Approved uses
According to the official French labelling (ANSM), in adult men the product is used for hypogonadism, a condition in which the body's own testosterone production is reduced. The diagnosis is confirmed not by a single test but by at least two blood measurements of the hormone together with clinical signs: reduced libido, fatigue, depressed mood, loss of bone mass.
For topical use the labelling also lists lichen sclerosus in men and in women, and gynecomastia in men. These conditions call for a medical decision; self-treatment has no place here.
The way the medicine is used, its duration and the monitoring are set by the treating physician. This reference page does not replace a specialist's prescription and gives no treatment schedule.
Points to keep in mind
The main feature of topical androgens is transfer risk. The substance stays on the skin and can be passed to other people through everyday contact, including women and children. In a child accidental exposure may trigger premature signs of puberty.
Men over 50 receiving androgen therapy need regular monitoring of the prostate. The medicine is contraindicated in prostate cancer and in hypersensitivity to any of the components.
Among possible adverse reactions the labelling lists irritation at the application site, acne, increased skin oiliness, increased body hair, mood changes and headache. Such symptoms should be reported to a doctor.
Published research
Primary sources, verified against PubMed:
- Treatment of lichen sclerosus with topical dihydrotestosterone., PubMed 1945205 (Obstet Gynecol, 1991).
- Androgens in the topical treatment of lichen sclerosus., PubMed 8786194 (Int J Dermatol, 1996).
- Treatment of Hypogonadism: Current and Future Therapies., PubMed 28149506 (F1000Res, 2017).
Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.
Precautions
- This is a prescription medicine. Prescribing, dosing and monitoring belong to a physician.
- After application the hormone can be transferred to other people by skin contact. Until the gel has dried and the area is covered, contact with women and children must be avoided.
- Men over 50 need regular monitoring of the prostate during treatment.
- The medicine is contraindicated in prostate cancer and in hypersensitivity to the components.
- Use in women outside a physician's direct instruction is not acceptable because of the risk of virilisation.
- Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take: interactions are possible.
Frequently asked
Is Andractim a prescription medicine?
Yes. It is a prescription hormonal medicine and is not intended for self-medication.
Why does this page not give an application schedule?
In hormonal disorders the regimen is chosen individually from test results. That is a physician's decision, not a reference page's.
Why is the gel a risk for people nearby?
The active substance remains on the skin and can be passed on through contact. Children are especially sensitive to it.
Where does the order ship from?
Shipping and customs handling are described on the APV Pharmacy delivery page.