Drug reference directory
Drug reference

dihydrotestosterone

Androgen

Androgen
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
X
FDA category + note

Mechanism

A more potent androgen than testosterone, formed by the 5α-reductase enzyme in many target cells. It binds more avidly with the cytoplasmic androgen receptor (AR) and is more active than the testosterone-receptor complex. Unlike testosterone, it is not converted to estradiol and thus does not cause gynaecomastia.

Indications

hypogonadismimpotence

Dosing

Adult
5–10 g gel to be applied over nonscrotal skin once daily

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

X

Other Androgen drugs

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Textbook-sourced·Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Updated: 2026-05-10