Examples of Anabolic and Androgenic Steroids

Testosterone propionate cypionate (Depotestosterone) Testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl) 

Hormonal therapy with testosterone should be reserved primarily for patients with hypogonadal disorders. There are two important warnings about the indiscriminate use of intramuscular testosterone in patients with serum testosterone levels in the normal range. First, many impotent patients are older and may have adenocarcinoma of the prostate thus, exogenous testosterone may accelerate the growth of the neoplasm. Second, although testosterone may induce a marked increase in libido, patients may still be unable to achieve adequate erection. 

One of the side effects of testosterone compounds is masculinization in women (such as hirsutism, acne, depression of menses, and clitoral enlargement) and of their female offspring. Therefore, androgens are contraindicated in pregnant women. Prostatic hypertrophy may occur in males, which leads to urinary retention. Therefore, androgens are contraindicated in men with prostatic carcinoma. 

Receptors for angiotensin II are found in the medulla oblongata in neurons involved in the regulation of barore-ceptor activity. Because studies in hypertensive patients have indicated that ACE inhibitors reduce sympathetic 

FIGURE 24 Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, is used in hypertension and congestive heart failure. 

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