FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam 2026 - Free NABP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The addition of a 17a-methyl group to testosterone is significant in pharmacology, especially in the context of anabolic steroids. This alteration enhances the compound's oral bioavailability, which means it can be effectively absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally. This is a key factor since many anabolic steroids require parenteral administration to avoid first-pass hepatic metabolism, which can degrade the active compound before it enters systemic circulation.

While the addition of the methyl group may lead to a decrease in the overall anabolic potency compared to testosterone, the critical advantage comes from its improved oral activity. This makes it more versatile and easier to administer, providing a practical benefit without needing injections. Therefore, this modification allows for effective dosing via oral routes, thereby making it a preferred choice in certain clinical or performance contexts.

Examining this modification's implications helps underline the importance of structural changes in steroid compounds. These modifications can lead to distinct pharmacokinetic profiles that are crucial for their therapeutic uses.