Oxandrolone (Anavar)
ox-AN-droh-lone
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA-approved for certain medical conditions. It remains a controlled prescription medication and has known risks.
Standard Dose
Once or twice daily
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Intramuscular, Subcutaneous or Oral
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Oxandrolone is a prescription medication in some clinical settings. It can influence muscle and body composition but is not risk-free; monitoring may be recommended in medical use.
Plain-language summary
Oxandrolone is a prescription medication in some clinical settings. It can influence muscle and body composition but is not risk-free; monitoring may be recommended in medical use.
Administration Routes
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
- Oral
Also known as
Mechanisms
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derivative that binds androgen receptors. It has low aromatization to estrogen, but androgen-related effects can still occur.
Detailed mechanism
Oxandrolone is a synthetic DHT-derived anabolic steroid that binds androgen receptors with high affinity, activating androgen-response elements in gene promoters to upregulate protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and IGF-1 expression in skeletal muscle. Because its structure prevents aromatase-mediated conversion to estrogen, water retention and gynecomastia are less prominent than with testosterone-based compounds, though androgenic side effects such as hair loss, acne, and HPG-axis suppression remain possible. The 17-alpha-alkylation confers oral bioavailability at the cost of hepatic stress, necessitating periodic monitoring of liver enzymes and lipid panels during clinical use.
Safety
Side effects
- Possible testosterone suppression
- Potential liver effects because of oral steroid chemistry
- Changes in lipid profile (e.g., HDL reduction)
- Virilization risk in women at higher exposures
- Hair loss/acne in susceptible individuals
Reported benefits
- Approved medical use in selected indications
- Can influence lean mass in appropriate patients
- Low aromatization may reduce estrogen-related effects
Safety profile
Safety depends on patient factors, indication, dose, and monitoring. Potential risks include liver and lipid effects.
Clinical trials
Completed clinical trials leading to FDA or regulatory approval in approved indications.
Structure
Verified structure
Oxandrolone (Anavar)
Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.
- Chemical Formula
- C19H30O3
- Molecular Weight
- 306.44 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 53-39-4
- InChIKey
- QSLJIVKCVHQPLV-PEMPUTJUSA-N
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
The anabolic androgenic steroid oxandrolone in the treatment of wasting and catabolic disorders: a systematic review (Drug Safety)
2004
- 2View source
Pharmacology of anabolic steroids (British Journal of Sports Medicine)
2008
- 3View source
Effect of oxandrolone on the endocrinologic, inflammatory, and hypermetabolic responses during the acute phase postburn (Annals of Surgery)
2007
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.