Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
DANOCRINE 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. It suppresses the pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting gonadotropin (LH and FSH) release, leading to anovulation and amenorrhea. It also binds to androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors, exerting weak androgenic, antiestrogenic, and antigonadotropic effects. Additionally, it may directly inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis and increase clearance of endogenous sex hormones.
Androgen receptor agonist; stimulates protein synthesis and growth of androgen-sensitive tissues.
Treatment of endometriosis amenable to hormonal management,Management of fibrocystic breast disease,Hereditary angioedema (prophylaxis of attacks)
Testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism,Off-label: delayed puberty in males
100-200 mg orally twice daily for endometriosis; 200-400 mg twice daily for fibrocystic breast disease; 200 mg twice daily for hereditary angioedema. Maximum dose: 800 mg/day.
2.5-10 mg orally once daily in the morning for androgen replacement therapy in adult males.
Terminal elimination half-life: 10–30 hours (mean 15 hours); clinically, steady-state reached after 2–4 days.
Terminal elimination half-life is 3.5–5.5 hours; clinical effects may persist for several days due to active metabolites.
Danazol is extensively metabolized in the liver via hydroxylation and conjugation. It is a substrate of CYP3A4 and may inhibit CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. The major metabolites include 2-hydroxymethylethisterone and ethisterone, which exhibit some androgenic activity.
Hepatic via CYP3A4 and CYP2B6; undergoes first-pass metabolism.
Renal (metabolites, ~50%), biliary/fecal (~30%), unchanged drug minimal.
Primarily renal: ~90% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, 6% as unchanged drug; ~5% fecal via bile.
~80–90%, primarily to albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).
98% bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
Vd ~0.5–1.0 L/kg; moderate tissue distribution.
Vd approximately 1.0 L/kg; indicates extensive tissue distribution, especially to reproductive organs and bone marrow.
Oral: ~80–100% (well absorbed).
Oral: 15–25% due to first-pass metabolism; buccal or transdermal: higher, but not commercially available for this formulation.
No specific guidelines; use with caution in renal impairment. Monitor fluid balance and renal function.
No specific dose adjustment required based on GFR; caution in severe impairment (Cr Cl <30 m L/min) due to potential fluid retention.
Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). For mild to moderate impairment, use reduced dose and monitor liver function; avoid in active liver disease.
Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class B and C cirrhosis due to hepatotoxicity risk; in class A, use with caution and monitor liver function.
Not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to potential for premature epiphyseal closure and other adverse effects.
Not recommended for use in children as it may cause premature epiphyseal closure and virilization; limited data.
No specific dosing adjustments; use lowest effective dose due to potential for increased sensitivity to androgenic effects and hepatic metabolism changes.
Increased risk of prostatic hyperplasia and carcinoma; use lowest effective dose with regular prostate monitoring.
None
Warning: Prolonged use may cause virilization in women, premature epiphyseal closure, and increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy/carcinoma.
Risk of thromboembolic events (DVT, pulmonary embolism),Hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, peliosis hepatis, benign hepatic adenoma),Intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri),Androgenic effects (acne, hirsutism, voice deepening, weight gain, clitoral hypertrophy),Carcinogenicity (increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma),Use in pregnancy causes pseudothermalphroditism in female fetuses,May suppress the immune system; increased risk of infections,Can cause pancreatitis, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance,May increase LDL and decrease HDL cholesterol,Monitor liver function, lipid profile, and signs of thrombosis
Monitor liver function, lipid profile, and prostate-specific antigen; risk of edema in patients with cardiac disease; avoid use in patients with sleep apnea.
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding,Severely impaired hepatic, renal, or cardiac function,Pregnancy or breastfeeding,Porphyria,Androgen-dependent tumors (e.g., prostate carcinoma),Breast cancer in males,History of thromboembolic disease,Hypersensitivity to danazol or components
Known or suspected prostate cancer; breast cancer in males; hypersensitivity to androgens; pregnancy and lactation.
No significant food interactions. Grapefruit juice may affect metabolism; advise caution.
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.
Danocrine (danazol) is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is an androgen derivative and can cause virilization of the female fetus, including clitoromegaly, labial fusion, and urogenital sinus abnormalities. Risk is highest during the first trimester when genital differentiation occurs; exposure at any gestational age may result in androgenic effects.
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 into breast milk. The M/P ratio is unknown. Due to potential androgenic effects in the nursing infant (e.g., virilization), breastfeeding is not recommended during danocrine therapy.
Excretion into human milk is unknown. Due to potential for androgenic effects in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended. No M/P ratio available.
Danocrine is contraindicated in pregnancy. No dose adjustment is applicable; therapy must be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is suspected or confirmed. Pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy are not relevant due to contraindication.
Not applicable; contraindicated in pregnancy. No dose adjustment recommendations exist for pregnant patients.
Danocrine suppresses pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting gonadotropin release; monitor liver function, lipid profile, and for signs of virilization. Avoid in pregnancy and porphyria.
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.
Take with food to reduce GI upset.,Report symptoms of thromboembolism (chest pain, leg swelling) immediately.,Use non-hormonal contraception due to teratogenicity and pregnancy disruption.,May cause weight gain, edema, acne, or voice deepening; notify doctor if severe.,Avoid alcohol due to potential hepatotoxicity.
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.
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 DANOCRINE vs ANDROID 5, answered by our medical review team.
DANOCRINE is a Androgen/Antigonadotropin that works by Danazol is a synthetic androgen derived from ethisterone. It suppresses the pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting gonadotropin (LH and FSH) release, leading to anovulation and amenorrhea. It also binds to androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors, exerting weak androgenic, antiestrogenic, and antigonadotropic effects. Additionally, it may directly inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis and increase clearance of endogenous sex hormones.. 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 DANOCRINE 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 DANOCRINE is: 100-200 mg orally twice daily for endometriosis; 200-400 mg twice daily for fibrocystic breast disease; 200 mg twice daily for hereditary angioedema. Maximum dose: 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 DANOCRINE 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. DANOCRINE is classified as Category C. Danocrine (danazol) is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is an androgen derivative and can cause virilization of the female fetus, including clitoromegaly, labial fusion, and urogen. 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.