Drostanolone


Drostanolone, or dromostanolone, is an anabolic–androgenic steroid of the dihydrotestosterone group which was never marketed. An androgen ester prodrug of drostanolone, drostanolone propionate, was formerly used in the treatment of breast cancer in women under brand names such as Drolban, Masteril, and Masteron. This ester has also been used non-medically for physique- or performance-enhancing purposes.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Like other AAS, drostanolone is an agonist of the androgen receptor. It is not a substrate for 5α-reductase and is a poor substrate for 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and therefore shows a high ratio of anabolic to androgenic activity. As a DHT derivative, drostanolone is not a substrate for aromatase and hence cannot be aromatized into estrogenic metabolites. While no data are available on the progestogenic activity of drostanolone, it is thought to have low or no such activity similarly to other DHT derivatives. Since the drug is not 17α-alkylated, it is not known to cause hepatotoxicity.

Chemistry

Drostanolone, also known as 2α-methyl-5α-dihydrotestosterone or as 2α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol-3-one, is a synthetic androstane steroid and a derivative of DHT. It is specifically DHT with a methyl group at the C2α position.

History

Drostanolone and its ester drostanolone propionate were first described in 1959. Drostanolone propionate was first introduced for medical use in 1961.

Society and culture

Generic names

Drostanolone is the generic name of the drug and its,, and. It has also been referred to as dromostanolone.

Legal status

Drostanolone, along with other AAS, is a schedule III controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act.