Maximum Dose for AndroGel
The maximum dose for AndroGel depends on the formulation: for AndroGel 1%, the maximum is 100 mg daily, while for AndroGel 1.62%, the maximum is 81 mg of testosterone (4 pump actuations or two 40.5 mg packets) daily. 1
Formulation-Specific Maximum Dosing
AndroGel 1%
- Maximum daily dose is 100 mg applied once daily 2
- Starting dose is typically 50 mg daily, which can be titrated upward based on serum testosterone levels 2
- Applied to shoulders and upper arms 2
AndroGel 1.62%
- Maximum daily dose is 81 mg of testosterone (equivalent to 4 pump actuations or two 40.5 mg packets) 1
- Starting dose is 40.5 mg (2 pump actuations or one 40.5 mg packet) 1
- Minimum dose is 20.25 mg (1 pump actuation or one 20.25 mg packet) 1
- Applied exclusively to shoulders and upper arms—never to abdomen, genitals, chest, armpits, or knees 1
Dose Titration Protocol
Testosterone levels must be checked at 14 days and 28 days after starting treatment or any dose adjustment to guide titration 1:
- If pre-dose morning testosterone >750 ng/dL: Decrease dose by 20.25 mg 1
- If testosterone 350-750 ng/dL: Continue current dose 1
- If testosterone <350 ng/dL: Increase dose by 20.25 mg 1
Once stable levels are achieved, monitor every 6-12 months 2, 3
Critical Safety Considerations
Secondary Exposure Risk
- Children must avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites, as virilization has been reported in secondarily exposed children 1
- Patients must wash hands immediately with soap and water after application 1
- Application site should be covered with clothing once dry 1
- Wash application site thoroughly with soap and water before any anticipated skin-to-skin contact 1
Monitoring Requirements
- Avoid swimming, showering, or washing the application site for minimum 2 hours after application 1
- The gel is flammable—avoid fire, flames, or smoking until dried 1
- Monitor for erythrocytosis, which occurs in 11.3% at 50 mg gel and 17.9% at 100 mg gel doses 2
Important Formulation Differences
AndroGel 1% and AndroGel 1.62% are NOT interchangeable—they have different doses, strengths, and application instructions that result in different systemic exposure 1. The application site and dose of testosterone gel 1.62% are specifically not interchangeable with other topical testosterone products 1.