Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
ANDROID 10 vs CHOLAC
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Androgen receptor agonist; testicular androgen responsible for development and maintenance of male sex characteristics and anabolic effects; increases protein synthesis and muscle mass.
Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that is not absorbed in the small intestine. It is metabolized by colonic bacteria to short-chain fatty acids, primarily lactic acid and acetic acid, which lower the colonic p H. This acidification traps ammonia (NH3) as ammonium (NH4+) in the gut lumen, reducing serum ammonia levels. Additionally, the osmotic effect of lactulose draws water into the colon, producing a laxative effect.
Male hypogonadism (primary and hypogonadotropic),Delayed puberty in males,Off-label: Androgen replacement in transgender men (masculinizing hormone therapy)
Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (portal-systemic encephalopathy) in patients with acute and chronic liver disease,Constipation (including chronic idiopathic constipation)
Testosterone undecanoate 750 mg (3 m L) intramuscular injection every 10 weeks, or testosterone cypionate 50-400 mg intramuscular injection every 2-4 weeks. For gel formulations: 50-100 mg transdermally once daily.
15-30 m L (10-20 g lactulose) orally once daily, titrated to produce 2-3 soft stools per day; maximum dose 60 m L/day. For hepatic encephalopathy: 30-45 m L (20-30 g) orally 3-4 times daily, titrated to 2-3 soft stools per day.
8 hours; clinical context: steady-state achieved in 2-3 days, dosing interval 8-12 hours.
0.5-1.5 hours for lactulose; active metabolites (e.g., acetic acid) have negligible systemic half-life due to rapid local metabolism.
Hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4; undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism; metabolites primarily excreted renally.
Not absorbed systemically. Metabolized by colonic bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bacteroides) to lactic acid, acetic acid, and other short-chain fatty acids.
Renal: 90% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, 6% as unchanged drug; fecal: 4%.
Primarily fecal (biliary excretion of unchanged drug and metabolites); minimal renal excretion (<5%).
97-99% bound primarily to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
Negligible (<1%); not significantly bound to plasma proteins.
0.5-1.0 L/kg; indicates extensive distribution into tissues and organs.
Approximately 0.2 L/kg; indicates distribution primarily in extracellular fluid.
Oral: low (variable, ~5-20% due to first-pass metabolism); intramuscular: 100%.
Oral: <2% systemic bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism and local gut action; rectal: minimal systemic absorption.
No specific dose adjustment required for renal impairment; monitor serum testosterone levels and clinical response. For severe renal impairment (GFR <30 m L/min), consider increased monitoring due to potential fluid retention.
No dose adjustment required for renal impairment.
Contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh class C). For mild to moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B), use with caution and consider dose reduction; monitor liver function tests regularly.
No specific Child-Pugh based adjustments. Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of electrolyte disturbances; monitor serum electrolytes.
Not recommended for use in children; safety and efficacy not established. For delayed puberty in adolescent males: testosterone enanthate 50-200 mg intramuscularly every 2-4 weeks, titrated to response, with monitoring of bone age.
Infants: 2.5-10 m L/day in divided doses. Children: 40-90 mg/kg/day (as lactulose) divided 1-2 times daily, titrated to produce soft stools. For hepatic encephalopathy: 2.5-10 m L (1.7-6.7 g) orally 3-4 times daily, titrated to 2-3 soft stools per day.
Start at low end of dosing range (e.g., testosterone cypionate 50 mg intramuscularly every 4 weeks or gel 25 mg daily) due to potential increased sensitivity and risk of prostatic hypertrophy or cardiovascular events. Monitor serum testosterone, hematocrit, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Initiate at lower end of dosing range (15 m L once daily) and titrate slowly to avoid diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance; monitor renal function and electrolytes.
None
No FDA black box warning.
Risk of hepatotoxicity; use with caution in patients with liver disease. Monitor liver function, lipid profile, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). May cause fluid retention, gynecomastia, priapism, and sleep apnea. Not for use in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. May accelerate growth of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Androgenic effects may cause virilization in women.
Electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypernatremia) may occur, especially with prolonged use or in patients with renal impairment,Diarrhea can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss; dosage should be adjusted to produce 2-3 soft stools per day,Galactose content: lactulose contains galactose and lactose; use with caution in patients with galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption,Risk of colonic perforation in patients with severe colonic ulceration, toxic megacolon, or gastrointestinal obstruction
Men with carcinoma of the prostate or breast; history of hypersensitivity to testosterone or any component; women who are pregnant or may become pregnant (risk of fetal harm); patients with severe hepatic or cardiac disease.
Patients with galactosemia (due to galactose content),Gastrointestinal obstruction (including ileus),Hypersensitivity to lactulose or any component of the formulation
No known food interactions. However, methyltestosterone can increase appetite and cause weight gain; a balanced diet is recommended.
No specific food restrictions. Mixing with fruit juice, water, or milk may improve taste. Avoid excessive intake of dairy products if lactose intolerant (lactulose may contain small amounts of lactose).
Android 10 is a combination of methyltestosterone and ethinyl estradiol. Methyltestosterone is an androgen; exposure during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, can cause virilization of the female fetus. Ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm. Use is contraindicated in all trimesters.
Lactulose is not absorbed systemically; no teratogenic effects reported in animal studies or human case reports. FDA Pregnancy Category B. Trimester-specific risks: no known fetal harm in any trimester.
Methyltestosterone and ethinyl estradiol are excreted in breast milk. Methyltestosterone may cause virilization in female infants. Ethinyl estradiol may reduce milk production and quality. M/P ratio not available. Breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Excretion into breast milk is negligible due to minimal systemic absorption. M/P ratio not determined. Considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Contraindicated in pregnancy; no dosing adjustments apply. If inadvertent use occurs, discontinue immediately.
No dose adjustment required during pregnancy; pharmacokinetics unchanged due to localized GI action.
Android 10 is a brand name for methyltestosterone, an androgen and anabolic steroid. Use is restricted to replacement therapy in males with hypogonadism or delayed puberty due to androgen deficiency. Monitor liver function due to risk of peliosis hepatis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Contraindicated in males with breast or prostate cancer. Can cause erythrocytosis; monitor hematocrit. Discontinue if signs of virilization in women or priapism in men. Use caution in elderly due to increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy.
Cholac (lactulose) is used for constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. Monitor for diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances. In hepatic encephalopathy, titrate dose to achieve 2-3 soft stools per day. Syrup can be mixed with fruit juice or water to improve palatability. Onset of action is 24-48 hours for constipation; for encephalopathy, effects may take several days.
Take exactly as prescribed; do not increase dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.,Report signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, abdominal pain.,Notify your doctor if you experience swelling of ankles or feet, trouble breathing, or persistent erections lasting more than 4 hours.,May cause aggressive behavior, mood swings, or depression; contact your doctor if these occur.,Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.,Keep all appointments for blood tests and liver function monitoring.
Take exactly as prescribed. Do not change dose without consulting your doctor.,For constipation, effects may take up to 48 hours. Do not use other laxatives unless advised.,For liver disease, it helps reduce ammonia levels. Aim for 2-3 soft bowel movements daily.,May cause gas, bloating, or stomach cramps, which usually decrease over time.,Contact doctor if you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration.,Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about ANDROID 10 vs CHOLAC, answered by our medical review team.
ANDROID 10 is a Androgen that works by Androgen receptor agonist; testicular androgen responsible for development and maintenance of male sex characteristics and anabolic effects; increases protein synthesis and muscle mass.. CHOLAC is a Laxative that works by Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that is not absorbed in the small intestine. It is metabolized by colonic bacteria to short-chain fatty acids, primarily lactic acid and acetic acid, which lower the colonic p H. This acidification traps ammonia (NH3) as ammonium (NH4+) in the gut lumen, reducing serum ammonia levels. Additionally, the osmotic effect of lactulose draws water into the colon, producing a laxative effect.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between ANDROID 10 and CHOLAC depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of ANDROID 10 is: Testosterone undecanoate 750 mg (3 m L) intramuscular injection every 10 weeks, or testosterone cypionate 50-400 mg intramuscular injection every 2-4 weeks. For gel formulations: 50-100 mg transdermally once daily.. The standard adult dose of CHOLAC is: 15-30 m L (10-20 g lactulose) orally once daily, titrated to produce 2-3 soft stools per day; maximum dose 60 m L/day. For hepatic encephalopathy: 30-45 m L (20-30 g) orally 3-4 times daily, titrated to 2-3 soft stools per day.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between ANDROID 10 and CHOLAC in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. ANDROID 10 is classified as Category C. Android 10 is a combination of methyltestosterone and ethinyl estradiol. Methyltestosterone is an androgen; exposure during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, can . CHOLAC is classified as Category C. Lactulose is not absorbed systemically; no teratogenic effects reported in animal studies or human case reports. FDA Pregnancy Category B. Trimester-specific risks: no known fetal . Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.