Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
DANAZOL vs ANDROID 5
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Danazol is a synthetic androgen derived from ethisterone that suppresses pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting gonadotropin release, leading to decreased estrogen and progesterone levels. It also has weak androgenic and progestational activity.
Androgen receptor agonist; stimulates protein synthesis and growth of androgen-sensitive tissues.
FDA: Treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, hereditary angioedema,Off-label: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, precocious puberty, gynecomastia
Testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism,Off-label: delayed puberty in males
300-600 mg orally twice daily; maximum 800 mg/day
2.5-10 mg orally once daily in the morning for androgen replacement therapy in adult males.
Terminal elimination half-life is 4-4.5 hours; clinical context: requires multiple daily dosing to maintain therapeutic levels.
Terminal elimination half-life is 3.5–5.5 hours; clinical effects may persist for several days due to active metabolites.
Primarily hepatic: undergoes oxidation and conjugation via CYP3A4, with metabolites excreted in urine and feces.
Hepatic via CYP3A4 and CYP2B6; undergoes first-pass metabolism.
Primarily hepatic metabolism; approximately 60% excreted in feces, 30% in urine as metabolites.
Primarily renal: ~90% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, 6% as unchanged drug; ~5% fecal via bile.
Highly protein bound: 97-99%, primarily to albumin.
98% bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
Approximately 1.5 L/kg; indicates extensive distribution into tissues, exceeding total body water.
Vd approximately 1.0 L/kg; indicates extensive tissue distribution, especially to reproductive organs and bone marrow.
Oral bioavailability is approximately 100% due to extensive absorption, but first-pass metabolism reduces systemic availability to about 70-80%.
Oral: 15–25% due to first-pass metabolism; buccal or transdermal: higher, but not commercially available for this formulation.
No adjustment required for GFR ≥10 m L/min; avoid use in GFR <10 m L/min due to fluid retention risk
No specific dose adjustment required based on GFR; caution in severe impairment (Cr Cl <30 m L/min) due to potential fluid retention.
Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B: reduce dose by 50%; Child-Pugh C: contraindicated
Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class B and C cirrhosis due to hepatotoxicity risk; in class A, use with caution and monitor liver function.
2-5 mg/kg/dose orally twice daily; maximum 400 mg/day
Not recommended for use in children as it may cause premature epiphyseal closure and virilization; limited data.
Start at low end of adult dose, titrate cautiously due to increased risk of fluid retention and thromboembolism
Increased risk of prostatic hyperplasia and carcinoma; use lowest effective dose with regular prostate monitoring.
Danazol may cause thrombotic events, including pulmonary embolism and thrombophlebitis. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of thrombosis.
Warning: Prolonged use may cause virilization in women, premature epiphyseal closure, and increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy/carcinoma.
Hepatotoxicity (monitor LFTs), pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension), androgenic effects (hirsutism, acne, voice deepening), lipid changes (decreased HDL, increased LDL), thromboembolic events, and premature closure of epiphyses in children.
Monitor liver function, lipid profile, and prostate-specific antigen; risk of edema in patients with cardiac disease; avoid use in patients with sleep apnea.
Pregnancy, lactation, porphyria, severe hepatic/renal/cardiac disease, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, history of thromboembolic disorders, androgen-dependent tumors.
Known or suspected prostate cancer; breast cancer in males; hypersensitivity to androgens; pregnancy and lactation.
Take with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid grapefruit juice as it may alter drug metabolism. Limit alcohol consumption due to increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may increase drug levels. Limit salt intake to reduce fluid retention. Alcohol may increase risk of liver toxicity.
Danazol is contraindicated in pregnancy. First trimester exposure is associated with virilization of female fetus including clitoromegaly, labioscrotal fusion, and urogenital sinus abnormalities. Risk in second and third trimesters is also significant due to androgenic effects; fetal growth restriction and preterm birth may occur. No safe gestational period exists.
Pregnancy Category X. ANDROID 5 (oxandrolone) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects including masculinization of female fetus, clitoral enlargement, and labial fusion. Risk is highest during first trimester but applies throughout gestation.
Danazol is excreted in human milk; M/P ratio not determined. Potential for adverse effects in breastfed infant (e.g., androgenization). Use is contraindicated during breastfeeding due to risk of virilization and other hormonal effects.
Excretion into human milk is unknown. Due to potential for androgenic effects in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended. No M/P ratio available.
Danazol is contraindicated in pregnancy; no dose adjustment recommendations exist. If inadvertently used during pregnancy, discontinue immediately and monitor for fetal effects. Pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy are not studied; dose modifications are not applicable due to contraindication.
Not applicable; contraindicated in pregnancy. No dose adjustment recommendations exist for pregnant patients.
Monitor liver function tests; androgenic effects (acne, hirsutism, voice deepening) may occur; use with caution in patients with cardiac or renal impairment; may potentiate warfarin; effective for hereditary angioedema prophylaxis; check pregnancy test before initiation due to teratogenicity.
Android 5 (methyltestosterone) is an androgenic anabolic steroid used for hypogonadism and delayed puberty. Monitor liver function due to hepatotoxicity. Use with caution in elderly due to increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma. Can cause fluid retention in patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease. Avoid in patients with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer.
Do not take if pregnant or planning pregnancy; use effective contraception.,Report symptoms of liver toxicity (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain) immediately.,Avoid alcohol as it may increase hepatotoxicity risk.,May cause weight gain, acne, or voice changes; report if bothersome.,Take with food to reduce GI upset.,Use sunscreen due to photosensitivity risk.,Do not discontinue abruptly; taper under medical supervision.
Take exactly as prescribed; do not increase dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.,Report any signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain.,Women should report any signs of virilization: hoarseness, acne, menstrual changes, growth of facial hair.,Men should report any breast enlargement, changes in urination, or priapism.,Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.,Do not use if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
"Formestane, an aromatase inhibitor, reduces estrogen synthesis, while danazol, a synthetic androgen, possesses weak androgenic and anabolic activity. Concomitant use may lead to additive fluid retention due to danazol's mineralocorticoid-like effects and formestane's potential to cause fluid retention through estrogen withdrawal. This can result in peripheral edema, hypertension, or exacerbation of heart failure in susceptible patients."
"Danazol, a synthetic androgen with weak androgenic activity, may reduce the therapeutic efficacy of vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The proposed mechanism involves danazol-induced activation of cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP3A4) and potential upregulation of glucagon counter-regulatory pathways, leading to increased vildagliptin clearance and diminished inhibition of DPP-4. Clinically, this interaction may result in elevated postprandial glucose levels and reduced HbA1c reduction, compromising glycemic management."
"Danazol, an androgenic steroid, can induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, particularly CYP2C9, which accelerates the metabolism of glipizide, a sulfonylurea antidiabetic agent. This increased clearance reduces glipizide's plasma concentrations, diminishing its insulinotropic effect and potentially leading to hyperglycemia and loss of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus."
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about DANAZOL vs ANDROID 5, answered by our medical review team.
DANAZOL is a Androgen/Antigonadotropin that works by Danazol is a synthetic androgen derived from ethisterone that suppresses pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting gonadotropin release, leading to decreased estrogen and progesterone levels. It also has weak androgenic and progestational activity.. ANDROID 5 is a Androgen that works by Androgen receptor agonist; stimulates protein synthesis and growth of androgen-sensitive tissues.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between DANAZOL and ANDROID 5 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 DANAZOL is: 300-600 mg orally twice daily; maximum 800 mg/day. The standard adult dose of ANDROID 5 is: 2.5-10 mg orally once daily in the morning for androgen replacement therapy in adult males.. 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 DANAZOL and ANDROID 5 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. DANAZOL is classified as Category C. Danazol is contraindicated in pregnancy. First trimester exposure is associated with virilization of female fetus including clitoromegaly, labioscrotal fusion, and urogenital sinus. ANDROID 5 is classified as Category C. Pregnancy Category X. ANDROID 5 (oxandrolone) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects including masculinization of female fetus, clitoral enlargement, and labial. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.