Oxymetholone (Anadrol) Oral Tablet
This entry covers the oral tablet formulation of oxymetholone, a potent 17-alpha-alkylated dihydrotestosterone derivative (2-hydroxymethylene modification) marketed as Anadrol-50. It is one of the strongest oral bulking steroids, clinically used for anaemia and HIV wasting, and is notable for rapid mass and strength gains alongside pronounced hepatic and estrogenic side effects.
01 Overview
Oxymetholone was developed for refractory anaemias and later applied to HIV-associated wasting, where it produced significant weight gains in controlled trials. The oral 50 mg tablet (Anadrol-50) is the standard clinical presentation. Despite being a DHT derivative, it exhibits estrogen-like effects through direct estrogen-receptor activity rather than aromatisation.
In physique use it is favoured for fast size and strength but is regarded as harsh: it strongly suppresses appetite-independent water retention, stresses the liver, and worsens lipids. This tablet-focused entry emphasises the oral pharmacology and dosing of the commercial product.
02 Mechanism
Androgen-receptor agonist derived from DHT with a 2-hydroxymethylene group and 17-alpha-methylation; drives protein synthesis and erythropoiesis, with direct estrogen-receptor activity independent of aromatase.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical (anaemia) | 1–5 mg/kg/day | Oral | Weight-based FDA dosing, commonly 1-2 mg/kg/day. |
| Physique | 50–100 mg/day | Oral | One to two 50 mg tablets daily; short courses typical. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid mass and strength gainSubstantial weight gain documented in HIV-wasting trials. | several kg over weeks | Clinical | |
| Increased red cell productionEffective for certain anaemias by stimulating erythropoiesis. | raised haemoglobin | Clinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water retention and hypertensionFluid retention with rising blood pressure. | Moderate | Common | Clinical | |
| HepatotoxicityMarked transaminase rises; cholestasis and, rarely, peliosis hepatis and hepatic tumours with prolonged use. | Severe | Class effect, pronounced | Clinical | |
| HPTA suppressionStrong suppression of endogenous testosterone. | Severe | Universal | Clinical |