hormoneControlledSchedule III anabolic steroid (US Controlled Substances Act)Prescription only (US)FDA-approved (brand Anadrol-50) for anemias due to deficient red cell production, including those caused by bone marrow failureClassified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the US because it is an anabolic androgenic steroid; the HIV-wasting and hemodialysis uses cited above are off-label
OxymetholoneBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Anadrol, A50
Oxymetholone, also known by the brand name Anadrol, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It was first introduced for medical use in the early 1960s. Research on Oxymetholone focuses on muscle and strength and bone and joint health.
Researched by DoseRoutine R&D TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSELast updated
Evidence: Strong — 3 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Evidence strengthStrong · 4/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
3 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Plasma half-life
~9 h
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
Reported for Oxymetholone in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Oxymetholone entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial of oxymetholone for the treatment of HIV wastingHengge UR, Stocks K, Wiehler H, Faulkner S, Esser S, Lorenz C, et al. · AIDS (London, England) · 2003 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 12646793
- [2]Oxymetholone for the treatment of HIV-wasting: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial in eugonadal men and womenHengge UR, Stocks K, Faulkner S, Wiehler H, Lorenz C, Jentzen W, et al. · HIV Clinical Trials · 2003 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 12815555
- [3]Oxymetholone ameliorates insulin sensitivity in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trialAramwit P, Kobpipat N, Satirapoj B, Kopple JD, Supasyndh O · Clinical Nephrology · 2009 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 19356374
How to track Oxymetholone doses
Oxymetholone is tracked as a protocol rather than a single reminder: a vial with a concentration, a schedule that may be titrated or cycled, and a rotation of injection sites. Here is the record that keeps all three consistent.
- 1
Record the vial and concentration
Log the vial strength and the volume of bacteriostatic water you added so Oxymetholone is stored as a concentration rather than a guess. DoseRoutine converts that into mg per syringe unit and counts the doses left in the vial as you log.
- 2
Set the schedule, not just a reminder
Enter the dose in mg and the frequency. Cycled protocols get a start and end date so the history stays accurate when Oxymetholone comes out of the routine.
- 3
Rotate and log the injection site
Pick the site at the moment you log the dose. The site map shows what you used last and how recently, which is the part that drifts fastest when two compounds run on different frequencies.
- 4
Log adherence, not intentions
Mark each dose taken, skipped or delayed as it happens. Weeks of honest logs are what make an adherence rate or a trend line meaningful; retrospective guessing is not.
- 5
Review against outcomes
With a reported half-life around 9 h, effects and timing shifts show up over days rather than instantly. Review Oxymetholone alongside your logged metrics and any relevant blood work every few weeks before changing the dose.
What to log each time
- Dose in mg and the syringe units it worked out to
- Vial: reconstitution date, concentration, doses remaining
- Injection site and time
- Any side effects in the 24 h after the dose
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Oxymetholone dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Oxymetholone studied for?
What is Oxymetholone?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Oxymetholone, also known by the brand name Anadrol, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It was first introduced for medical use in the early 1960s. Historically, it has been used to treat conditions characterized by significant muscle wasting, such as anemia (particularly aplastic anemia), osteoporosis, and chronic debilitating diseases. Its primary medical application was largely due to its ability to stimulate erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) and promote weight gain and muscle development in cachectic patients. Chemically, oxymetholone differs from some other anabolic steroids by retaining its 17α-methyl group, making it orally bioavailable but also increasing its potential for hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity). Due to the development of alternative treatments with more favorable side effect profiles, its medical use has become significantly more limited in various regions. However, it continues to be used in some contexts, particularly for specific types of anemia. Like other anabolic steroids, oxymetholone is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for misuse and abuse, particularly in non-medical settings where it may be sought for performance enhancement or body composition alteration. (DrugBank, FDA label)
What does the research say about Oxymetholone?
Tap a section to expand.
Oxymetholone exerts its effects primarily through binding to androgen receptors (ARs) located in various tissues throughout the body, including skeletal muscle, bone, and certain areas of the brain. Once bound, the oxymetholone-AR complex translocates to the cell nucleus, where it interacts with specific DNA sequences (androgen response elements) to modulate gene expression. This modulation leads to an increase in protein synthesis, which is a key factor in muscle growth (anabolism) and repair. In addition to its direct androgen receptor activity, oxymetholone is notably potent in stimulating erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells. This effect is mediated by increasing the production of erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys that regulates red blood cell formation. The increased red blood cell count contributes to improved oxygen-carrying capacity, which was beneficial in treating certain types of anemia. Oxymetholone is not aromatized into estrogens to the same extent as some other anabolic steroids. However, it can still lead to estrogenic side effects through other mechanisms, possibly including direct interaction with estrogen receptors or through effects on other hormonal pathways. It also exhibits a relatively low affinity for sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which can lead to higher levels of free (active) testosterone in the body, augmenting its overall androgenic effects. Unlike some other DHT-derived steroids, oxymetholone does not convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the 5-alpha reductase enzyme to a significant degree. Its inherent structure already confers potent androgenic activity. (DrugBank, PubChem)
Source for this section: Sources for How does Oxymetholone work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
The primary benefits of oxymetholone, as established in medical literature and historical clinical use, generally revolve around its potent anabolic (muscle-building) and erythropoietic (red blood cell stimulating) properties:
* **Treatment of Anemia:** One of the most significant and well-documented medical benefits of oxymetholone is its efficacy in treating certain types of anemia, particularly aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, and congenital hypoplastic anemia. It stimulates erythropoiesis, leading to an increase in red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, thereby alleviating symptoms of anemia. (FDA label, DrugBank)
* **Promotion of Weight Gain in Wasting Syndromes:** Oxymetholone has been utilized to promote weight gain and combat muscle wasting in patients suffering from chronic debilitating diseases, severe burns, or prolonged illness where significant catabolism (muscle breakdown) occurs. Its strong anabolic effects help in protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, which are crucial for tissue repair and growth. (DrugBank)
* **Bone Density Improvement:** In some historical contexts, oxymetholone was studied for its potential to improve bone density and treat osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women. Androgens can influence bone metabolism and density. (PubChem)
These benefits were primarily observed in clinical settings for specific medical conditions. Its use in these contexts has largely been superseded by newer treatments with improved safety profiles. However, its historical effectiveness in these areas is well-documented. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Evidence for oxymetholone's efficacy primarily stems from historical clinical trials and case reports conducted in the mid-to-late 20th century, particularly regarding its use in treating various forms of anemia and muscle wasting syndromes. Numerous studies demonstrated its ability to significantly increase red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels in patients with hypoplastic and aplastic anemias (Mayo Clinic, FDA label). For instance, research published in peer-reviewed medical journals highlighted its effectiveness in improving hematological parameters and clinical outcomes in these patient populations. Studies also documented its anabolic effects, demonstrating an increase in lean body mass and weight gain in patients suffering from chronic debilitating diseases or severe malnutrition. These studies often involved patient cohorts with severe conditions, where the benefits of oxymetholone outweighed the risks. However, the relatively high incidence of side effects, particularly hepatotoxicity, has led to a re-evaluation of its risk-benefit profile over time and the development of alternative therapies (DrugBank). Modern research often focuses on understanding the specific mechanisms of action and drug interactions rather than new therapeutic indications, given the availability of safer alternatives. No recent large-scale randomized controlled trials for new indications are prevalent in public databases for oxymetholone given its established profile and limited current medical applications. (Examine.com, DrugBank)
Oxymetholone carries a significant risk of side effects, some of which can be severe. The prevalence and severity of side effects are often dose-dependent and can vary greatly among individuals.
* **Hepatotoxicity:** One of the most serious side effects is liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity). This can manifest as elevated liver enzymes, cholestasis (impaired bile flow), peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver), and, in rare cases, liver tumors (adenomas and hepatocellular carcinoma). Regular monitoring of liver function is crucial during treatment. (FDA label)
* **Androgenic Side Effects:** As an anabolic-androgenic steroid, oxymetholone can cause a range of androgenic effects, especially in women and adolescents. These include: acne, oily skin, hair loss (androgenic alopecia), hirsutism (increased body hair growth), deepened voice, and clitoral enlargement. In men, it can lead to suppression of endogenous testosterone production, testicular atrophy, and gynecomastia (breast enlargement), although gynecomastia may also occur through other mechanisms not involving aromatization. (DrugBank)
* **Cardiovascular Effects:** Adverse effects on the cardiovascular system may include undesirable changes in lipid profiles, such as decreases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL, 'good' cholesterol) and increases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL, 'bad' cholesterol). This can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and fluid retention can also occur. (NIH MedlinePlus)
* **Gastrointestinal Disturbances:** Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are commonly reported gastrointestinal side effects. (FDA label)
* **Psychiatric and Mood Changes:** Androgenic steroids can induce mood disturbances, including irritability, aggression, anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, psychotic symptoms. (NIH MedlinePlus)
* **Edema:** Fluid retention, leading to edema (swelling), can occur, primarily due to electrolyte imbalances. (FDA label)
* **Other Side Effects:** Insomnia, headaches, and changes in libido have also been reported. (DrugBank)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Oxymetholone use is associated with several important warnings and precautions due to its potent pharmacological effects and potential for severe adverse reactions. Patients undergoing treatment should be carefully monitored.
* **Liver Toxicity:** The risk of severe, life-threatening liver toxicity, including peliosis hepatis and liver tumors, is a major concern. Any signs of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting, require immediate medical attention. Regular liver function tests are essential during treatment. (FDA label)
* **Cardiovascular Risk:** Oxymetholone can alter lipid profiles, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It may also lead to fluid retention, potentially exacerbating conditions like heart failure or hypertension. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should use this compound with extreme caution, if at all. (NIH MedlinePlus)
* **Prostate and Breast Cancer:** Androgenic steroids can stimulate the growth of prostate carcinoma and breast carcinoma in men. Therefore, men receiving oxymetholone should undergo regular examinations for prostate and breast cancer. (FDA label)
* **Fluid and Electrolyte Retention:** Due to its potential to cause fluid and electrolyte retention, oxymetholone should be used with caution in patients with conditions aggravated by edema, such as cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease. (FDA label)
* **Virilization in Females:** Women are particularly susceptible to irreversible virilizing effects such as voice deepening, hirsutism, clitoral enlargement, and male pattern baldness. These changes may persist even after discontinuation of the compound. (DrugBank)
* **Skeletal Maturation:** Anabolic steroids can accelerate epiphyseal maturation (bone growth plate closure) in children, leading to compromised adult height. Therefore, it is generally contraindicated in pediatric patients. (PubChem)
* **Glucose Tolerance:** Oxymetholone may alter glucose tolerance, and diabetic patients should be monitored closely. (FDA label)
* **Abuse Potential:** As a controlled substance, oxymetholone has a high potential for abuse, particularly by individuals seeking to enhance athletic performance or body composition. Abuse can lead to serious adverse health consequences, including psychiatric issues, liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and infertility. (NIH MedlinePlus)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Oxymetholone is contraindicated in individuals with specific medical conditions that could be worsened by its use or where the risks significantly outweigh any potential benefits. Critical contraindications include:
* **Known Hypersensitivity:** Individuals with a documented allergy or hypersensitivity to oxymetholone or any of its components should not use this compound. (FDA label)
* **Male Patients with Carcinoma of the Breast or Prostate:** Androgenic steroids can stimulate the growth of prostate and male breast cancers. Therefore, oxymetholone is absolutely contraindicated in men with known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or prostate. (FDA label)
* **Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women:** Oxymetholone is known to cause fetal harm and is contraindicated in pregnant women. There is insufficient data on its excretion into breast milk, but due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, it is contraindicated in breastfeeding women. (FDA label)
* **Nephrosis or the Nephrotic Phase of Nephritis:** Contraindicated due to fluid retention and potential exacerbation of kidney conditions. (FDA label)
* **Severe Hepatic Dysfunction:** Given its significant hepatotoxic potential, oxymetholone is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease or dysfunction. (DrugBank)
* **Known or Suspected Porphyria:** Anabolic steroids can exacerbate porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders affecting heme production. (PubChem)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Due to its potent effects and metabolic pathways, oxymetholone can interact with various medications, leading to altered efficacy or increased risk of adverse reactions. It is crucial to inform a healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being used.
* **Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners):** Oxymetholone can significantly enhance the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. The mechanism is believed to involve suppression of clotting factors. Close monitoring of coagulation parameters (e.g., INR, PT) and dose adjustments of anticoagulants are necessary. (FDA label)
* **Oral Hypoglycemic Agents and Insulin:** Anabolic steroids may alter glucose tolerance and decrease blood glucose levels. This means individuals with diabetes taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may experience increased hypoglycemic effects, requiring dose adjustments of their antidiabetic medications. (FDA label)
* **Adrenocorticosteroids (Corticosteroids) and ACTH:** Concurrent administration with corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) may increase the risk of edema, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiac or hepatic disease. (PubChem)
* **Immunosuppressants:** Given that anabolic steroids can affect immune function, caution is advised when co-administering with immunosuppressive agents, though direct interactions are less well-defined compared to anticoagulants. (DrugBank)
* **Hepatotoxic Medications:** Since oxymetholone itself is hepatotoxic, co-administration with other drugs known to cause liver damage should be avoided or approached with extreme caution, and liver function should be monitored closely. (DrugBank)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Oxymetholone's half-life is approximately 9 hours. Given its oral formulation, it is typically administered by mouth. The dose is user-directed and must be set by a licensed clinician. It can generally be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food might help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, which is a common side effect. Consistent timing of administration, usually once daily, is often recommended to maintain stable blood levels. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Oxymetholone?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
What interacts with Oxymetholone?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about Oxymetholone
Oxymetholone was primarily used for treating certain types of anemia, particularly aplastic anemia, by stimulating red blood cell production. It was also used to promote weight gain in patients suffering from muscle wasting due to chronic illnesses. (FDA label)
Yes, oxymetholone is a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States, due to its potential for misuse and abuse as an anabolic-androgenic steroid. (NIH MedlinePlus)
The most serious side effects include severe liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity), including peliosis hepatis and liver tumors. It can also cause adverse cardiovascular effects, such as changes in lipid profiles, and significant androgenic side effects, particularly virilization in women. (FDA label)
Oxymetholone is generally not recommended for use in women due to the high risk of irreversible virilizing effects, such as a deepened voice, increased body hair, and clitoral enlargement. It is also contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women. (DrugBank)
Oxymetholone is known for its exceptionally strong anabolic effects and potent stimulation of erythropoiesis. Unlike some other anabolic steroids, it is not significantly aromatized into estrogen directly, but it can still cause estrogenic side effects through other mechanisms. Its 17α-methyl structure makes it orally active but also contributes to its liver toxicity. (DrugBank)
Interaction risk for Oxymetholone comes from the rest of the stack: other hormones, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. With a reported plasma half-life near 9 hours, separating doses can change the picture as much as removing one. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Oxymetholone with no sign-up.
The reported plasma half-life is about 9 hours, which is what drives how often it is redosed. It is a controlled substance in some jurisdictions, so the prescribed amount is the only appropriate one. Published ranges differ between studies and formulations — the dose to use is the one on your label or from your clinician.
There is no single answer for Oxymetholone plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Oxymetholone with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
With a plasma half-life near 9 hours, once-daily dosing is the usual pattern for Oxymetholone. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
With a plasma half-life near 9 hours, a single missed dose of Oxymetholone usually has a smaller effect on overall exposure than an irregular pattern of missed doses does. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Oxymetholone the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Which studies looked at Oxymetholone?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Review of oxymetholone: a 17alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid.(opens PubMed in a new tab)Clinical therapeutics · 2001 · PMID 11440282 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11440282/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 5281034(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5281034
Verify at
Publisher search links for Oxymetholone. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- MedlinePlus(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Oxymetholone?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Oxymetholone, also known by the brand name Anadrol, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It was first introduced for medical use in the early 1960s. Research on Oxymetholone focuses on muscle and strength and bone and joint health.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/oxymetholone
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Oxymetholone — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/oxymetholone
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