Transient low testosterone levels after oral hydrocodone may contribute to misdiagnosis of hypogonadism

Authors

  • Harry W. Daniell, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2016.0347

Keywords:

hydrocodone, hypogonadism, testosterone

Abstract

Context: Multiple morning testosterone levels are needed to establish the presence of male hypogonadism and to justify its replacement therapy. Any influence on these levels by short-term opioid ingestion has not, however, been reported.

Case Description: Serial testosterone levels are reported at 2-hour intervals once weekly for 22 weeks in a man after his ingestion of 0, 5, or 10 mg of hydrocodone.

Conclusions: Five milligrams of hydrocodone did not significantly alter postingestion testosterone levels, but 10 mg ingestion lowered them at 2, 4, and 6 hours postingestion.

Author Biography

Harry W. Daniell, MD

Clinical Professor, Department of Family Practice, University of California Medical School at Davis, Davis, California.

References

Daniell HW: Hypogonadism in men consuming sustained-action oral opioids. J Pain. 2002; 3: 377-384.

Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al.: Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: An endocrine society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010; 95: 2536-2559.

Rubinstein A, Carpenter DM: Elucidating risk factors for androgen deficiency associated with daily opioid use. AJM. 2014; 127: 1195-1201.

Basaria S, Travison TG, Alford D, et al.: Effects of testosterone replacement in men with opioid-induced androgen deficiency: A randomized controlled trial. Pain. 2015; 156: 280-288.

McRae AL, Sonne SC: Opioid equivalency: A review. J Pharm Prac. 1998; 11: 394-404.

Barnhart JW, Caldwell JW: Gas chromatographic determination of hydrocodone in serum. J Chromatogr. 1977; 130: 243-249.

Otton SV, Schadel M, Cheung SW, et al.: CYP2D6 phenotype determines the metabolic conversion of hydrocodone to hydromorphone. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1993; 54: 463-472.

Published

09/01/2016

How to Cite

Daniell, MD, H. W. “Transient Low Testosterone Levels After Oral Hydrocodone May Contribute to Misdiagnosis of Hypogonadism”. Journal of Opioid Management, vol. 12, no. 5, Sept. 2016, pp. 310-2, doi:10.5055/jom.2016.0347.

Issue

Section

Brief Communication