Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
AN-uh-drol
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved for anemia but rarely prescribed now due to safer alternatives. Popular in bodybuilding despite risks.
Standard Dose
Daily
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Oral
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Anadrol is the 'atomic bomb' of oral steroids -- you'll pack on 10-15 pounds in two weeks, but most of it is water and glycogen, not actual muscle. Your strength explodes faster than on almost any other compound, which is why powerlifters love it for peaking before meets. The trade-off is brutal: your blood pressure spikes, your liver enzymes go through the roof, and you'll feel generally toxic the whole time. Headaches, nausea, and a bloated moon-face are basically guaranteed. Practical tip: limit cycles to 4 weeks max, stay hydrated, and use liver support -- this is not a compound you casually run for fun.
Plain-language summary
Anadrol is the 'atomic bomb' of oral steroids -- you'll pack on 10-15 pounds in two weeks, but most of it is water and glycogen, not actual muscle. Your strength explodes faster than on almost any other compound, which is why powerlifters love it for peaking before meets. The trade-off is brutal: your blood pressure spikes, your liver enzymes go through the roof, and you'll feel generally toxic the whole time. Headaches, nausea, and a bloated moon-face are basically guaranteed. Practical tip: limit cycles to 4 weeks max, stay hydrated, and use liver support -- this is not a compound you casually run for fun.
Administration Routes
- Oral
Also known as
Mechanisms
17-alpha-alkylated DHT derivative - survives liver metabolism, binds to androgen receptors, promotes protein synthesis and nitrogen retention with extreme water retention
Detailed mechanism
17-alpha-alkylated DHT derivative that survives first-pass liver metabolism. Binds to androgen receptors with high affinity, promoting protein synthesis and nitrogen retention while causing significant water retention through increased red blood cell production.
Safety
Side effects
- Severe liver toxicity
- Extreme water retention and bloating
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Rapid weight gain (mostly water)
- Gynecomastia
- Hair loss
Reported benefits
- Rapid weight gain
- Extreme strength increases
- Treats anemia effectively
- Appetite stimulation
Safety profile
High liver toxicity. Use with extreme caution and medical supervision only. Not recommended for performance enhancement due to health risks.
Clinical trials
Completed clinical trials for anemia treatment.
Structure
Verified structure
Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.
- Chemical Formula
- C21H32O3
- Molecular Weight
- 332.48 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 434-07-1
- InChIKey
- ICMWWNHDUZJFDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
Androgens and erythropoiesis (J Clin Pharmacol)
1973
- 2View source
Effects of oxymetholone on body composition and oxidative metabolism in HIV-wasting syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr)
2003
- 3View source
Pharmacology of anabolic steroids (Br J Pharmacol)
2008
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.