DRUG DATA/CLASSIFICATION
RESPONSIBILITIES AND
DOSAGE/ROUTE/FREQUENCY
Action
Generic Name:
Testosterone
Brand Name:
Andriol, Androderm, Testopel
Classification:
Androgen
Indications
Dosage/Route/Frequency
IM
Adults: 50-400 mg q2-4weeks
or 150-–200 mg q2wks.
Adolescents: Initiation of
pubertal growth: 25–75
mg q3–4wks, gradually
titrate q6–9mos to 100–
150 mg. Duration: 3–
4yrs.
Maintenance Virilizing Dose:
200–250 mg q3– 4wks.
May convert to other
testosterone
replacement dosages
ACTIONS/INDICATIONS/ SIDE EFFECTS/
CONTRAINDICATIONS ADVERSE EFFECTS
Side Effects
Promotes growth, development Frequent: Gynecomastia,
of male sex organs, maintains acne. Females: Hirsutism,
secondary sex characteristics in amenorrhea, other
androgen-deficient males. menstrual irregularities;
Therapeutic Effect: Relieves deepening of voice; clitoral
androgen deficiency. enlargement (may not be
reversible when drug is
discontinued).
Occasional: Edema,
*Androgen replacement nausea, insomnia,
therapy in treatment of delayed oligospermia, priapism,
male puberty, male male-pattern baldness,
hypogonadism (congenital or bladder irritability,
acquired), inoperable female hypercalcemia (in
breast cancer pts who are immobilized pts, those
1–5 yrs postmenopausal with breast cancer),
hypercholesterolemia,
*Replacement therapy in inflammation/pain at IM
hypogonadism— primary injection site
hypogonadism,hypogonadotropic
hypogonadism, delayed puberty Adverse Effect
(men)
CNS: Dizziness, headache,
*Testosterone enanthate only: sleep disorders, fatigue,
Inoperable breast cancer, tremor, sleeplessness,
metastatic mammary cancer, generalized paresthesia,
delayed puberty sleep apnea syndrome,
NURSING
CONSIDERATIONS
Baseline Assessment
*Establish baseline
weight, B/P, Hgb, Hct.
Check LFT, electrolytes,
cholesterol. Wrist X-rays
may be ordered to
determine bone
maturation in children.
*Question history of
hepatic/renal impairment,
seizure disorder,
thromboembolism (CVA,
MI, pulmonary embolism).
Interventions
● Apply dermal patch to
clean, dry skin as di-
rected. Do not use
chemical depilatories. An-
drodermis to be applied to
nonscrotal skin on back,
abdomen, upper arms, or
thighs. Remove the old
patch before applying a
new one.
Apply buccal system to
 once expected adult hot flash- es,
height and adequate Contraindications hypertension (topical gel)
virilization achieved.
Contraindicated with known Dermatologic:
SQ: (Pellets): sensitivity to an- drogens; Rash,dermatitis, anaphy-
prostate or breast cancer in lactoid reactions, acne
ADULTS: 150–450 mg
men; pregnancy; lactation;
q3–6mos. serious cardiac, hepat- ic, or Endocrine: Androgenic
renal disease. Androdermand effects(acne, ede- ma,
Striant contraindicated for use in mild hirsutism, decrease
women. in breast size, deepening
of the voice, oily skin or
hair, weight gain, clitoral
hypertrophy or testicular
atro- phy),
hypoestrogenic
effects(flushing, sweat-
ing, vaginitis,
nervousness, emotional
labil- ity), gynecomastia
in males
GI: Nausea,hepatic
impairment; hepato-
cellular carcinoma
GU: Fluid retention,
decreased urinary out-
put, changes in libido
Hematologic:
Polycythemia;
leukopenia;
hypercalcemia; altered
serum cholesterol levels;
retention of sodium,
gum region above incisor
on either side of mouth;
rotate sites (Striant). Place
rounded side of buccal sys-
tem against gum and hold
firmly in place for 30 sec to
ensure adhesion. If system
falls off during 12-hr
period, remove old system
and replace with new
system.
Inject testosterone deeply
into gluteal muscle.
● Be aware that sprays are
not interchangeable.
Dosage and site of
application vary between
products.
● Shake vials well before
use; crystals will re-
dissolve.
 chloride, water,
potassium, phosphates,
and calcium

Respiratory: dyspnea

Other: Chills, premature

closure of the epi- physes