Oxymetholone
Oxymetholone is marketed under the brand names Anadrol and Anapolon among others, and is an anabolic steroid with various applications in both medical and non-medical contexts. Highlighted below are its benefits, uses, and important considerations:
Medical Uses:
- Anemia Treatment: Utilized primarily for anemia treatment, Oxymetholone stimulates the production of red blood cells.
- Muscular Development: It is also recognized for its potency in muscle mass increment, benefiting patients with malnourishment or underdevelopment.
- Osteoporosis Management: Employed in the intervention of osteoporosis, the medication strengthens weakened bones.
- HIV/AIDS Wasting Syndrome: The drug is leveraged to counteract muscle degeneration seen in HIV/AIDS patients.
- Weight Gain: In certain scenarios, Oxymetholone is prescribed to assist in gaining body weight.
Non-Medical Uses:
- Physique and Performance: Athletes and bodybuilders use it for physical enhancement and performance augmentation.
- Anabolic Impact: Known for significant anabolic effects, it facilitates notable body mass increase.
- Protein Synthesis: It markedly boosts protein synthesis, which is crucial in muscle build-up and recovery periods.
Side Effects and Considerations:
- Androgenic Impact: The steroid exhibits minimal androgenic effects which helps in reducing the likelihood of masculinization symptoms.
- Estrogenic Effects: Despite its DHT derivative nature, Oxymetholone may cause estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia and fluid retention.
- Hepatotoxicity: The 17α-alkylated structure prompts concerns about potential liver damage, making long-term use risky.
- Additional Adverse Reactions: Other side effects may include mood fluctuations, tiredness, headaches, fluid retention, weight gain, priapism, skin color changes, urinary complications, gastrointestinal issues, appetite changes, jaundice, and more.
Pharmacology:
- Androgen Receptor Activation: It functions as an androgen receptor agonist with a pronounced anabolic to androgenic activity ratio.
- Metabolism and Excretion: Processed through the liver, it is eventually excreted in the urine, although details on pharmacokinetics are not fully understood.
Legal Status:
- Regulation: Listed as a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. under the Controlled Substances Act.
Availability:
- Medical Availability in the U.S.: It remains accessible for use in medical scenarios within the United States, with prescription.
References
- Anvisa. "RDC Nº 784 - Listas de Substâncias Entorpecentes, Psicotrópicas, Precursoras e Outras sob Controle Especial." Diário Oficial da União. 2023-03-31 (published 2023-04-04). Archived from the original on 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- Saartok T, Dahlberg E, Gustafsson JA. "Relative binding affinity of anabolic-androgenic steroids: comparison of the binding to the androgen receptors in skeletal muscle and in prostate, as well as to sex hormone-binding globulin." Endocrinology. 1984-06; 114(6): 2100-6. doi:10.1210/endo-114-6-2100. PMID 6539197.
