metandienone

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

metandienone, also known as methandrostenolone or simply Dianabol, is an anabolic steroid. It has a strong anabolic action and a moderate androgenic action, which makes it suitable for promoting muscle growth and increasing strength.

This drug is often used by bodybuilders and athletes to enhance performance, but it is important to note that its use can have adverse health effects and is regulated or banned in many sports organizations and countries due to its potential for abuse. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

psychiatric effects 

impaired glucose tolerance 

gynaecomastia 

male-pattern baldness 

seborrhoea 

cholestatic jaundice 

menstrual irregularities 

stops linear growth 

Hepatotoxicity 

Fluid & electrolyte retention 

hypercalcaemia 

Impotence 

Hirsutism 

acne 

oedema 

Amenorrhoea 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There is no specific black box warning associated with metandieone. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to metandienone or any of its components should avoid its use. 
• Prostate Cancer: metandienone can potentially exacerbate prostate cancer or promote its growth, making it contraindicated in individuals with prostate cancer. 
• Breast Cancer: It may also promote the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer, so it’s contraindicated in individuals with this condition. 
• Liver Disease: metandienone can be hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver), so it is contraindicated in individuals with existing liver disease or impaired liver function. 
• Children: metandienone is not recommended for use in children, as it can interfere with normal growth and development. 
• Psychological Disorders: Individuals with a history of psychological disorders or substance abuse issues should avoid metandienone due to its potential for psychological effects, including mood swings and aggression.

Caution: 

• Cardiovascular Risks: metandienone can lead to adverse cardiovascular effects, including increased blood pressure, cholesterol imbalances, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.  
• Psychological Effects: Some users of metandienone may experience mood swings, irritability, and aggression. Individuals with a history of psychiatric or psychological conditions should be cautious, as these effects can exacerbate existing issues. 
• Endocrine Disruption: metandienone use can disrupt the body’s natural hormone production, leading to hormonal imbalances. This can result in issues like testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles) and infertility in males. 
• Dependency and Abuse: metandienone has a potential for misuse, addiction, and abuse. Individuals with a history of substance abuse or dependency should be cautious when considering its use. 
• Sports and Doping Regulations: Athletes and individuals subject to doping regulations should be aware that metandienone is a prohibited substance in most sports organizations and competitions.

Comorbidities: 

• Cardiovascular Issues: metandienone can lead to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels.  
• Liver Toxicity: metandienone is known to be hepatotoxic, meaning it can harm the liver. Prolonged use or higher doses can lead to liver damage, potentially causing conditions like hepatitis and liver tumors. 
• Endocrine Disruption: metandienone use can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance. This can lead to various endocrine-related comorbidities, such as testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles), reduced sperm production, and hormonal imbalances. 
• Acne and Skin Issues: Users may experience severe acne and other skin problems as a side effect of metandienone. This can be both physically uncomfortable and aesthetically distressing. 
• Hormonal Imbalances in Women: In females, metandienone can cause virilization, resulting in the development of masculine traits such as deepening of the voice, increased facial and body hair, and menstrual irregularities. 
• Hair Loss: Some users may experience male-pattern baldness or hair thinning because of metandienone use. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

pregnancy category: not assigned  

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown   

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

metandienone, commonly known as Dianabol, is an anabolic steroid with a potent pharmacological profile. It functions primarily by binding to androgen receptors in cells, particularly those in skeletal muscle tissue. This interaction enhances protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, leading to increased muscle growth and strength.

metandienone also has a pronounced effect on the body’s calcium balance, aiding in bone health. However, it can have adverse effects, such as liver toxicity and cardiovascular issues. Due to these risks, its medical use is limited, and it is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, primarily used to treat certain medical conditions like hormone deficiencies. Its non-medical use, often for athletic or aesthetic purposes, carries significant health risks and is prohibited in many sports.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Anabolic Effects: metandienone is a potent anabolic steroid, promoting muscle protein synthesis. It increases the body’s ability to build muscle tissue, leading to enhanced muscle growth and increased muscle mass. 
• Enhanced Nitrogen Retention: metandienone improves the body’s nitrogen balance by increasing nitrogen retention in muscle tissues. This helps create a favorable environment for muscle growth and recovery. 
• Increased Strength: Users often experience a rapid increase in strength while taking metandienone. This effect is particularly beneficial for athletes and bodybuilders seeking to improve performance. 
• Glycogenolysis: metandienone enhances the breakdown of glycogen in the liver, resulting in increased glucose release into the bloodstream. This can provide a quick source of energy during intense physical activity. 
• Improved Bone Density: Anabolic steroids like metandienone can promote bone mineralization and increase bone density, which may have therapeutic applications in certain medical conditions. 
• Androgenic Effects: metandienone also has androgenic properties, which leads to side effects such as acne, increased facial and body hair, and the deepening of the voice, particularly in women.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

metandienone is most administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules. After oral administration, it is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the small intestine. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, metandienone enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body. It has a high affinity for androgen receptors in various tissues, particularly skeletal muscle cells. metandienone can also bind to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), affecting the free fraction of circulating testosterone in the blood. 

Metabolism 

metandienone undergoes hepatic (liver) metabolism via various enzymatic reactions. One of the significant metabolic pathways involves 17α-alkylation, which enhances its bioavailability and resistance to rapid breakdown in the liver. Metabolites of metandienone can be conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted in the urine. 

Elimination and excretion 

metandienone and its metabolites are primarily excreted via the kidneys in urine. The elimination half-life of metandienone varies but is short, typically ranging from a few hours to a day. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage: The dosage of metandienone can vary depending on the individual’s goals, experience level, and tolerance. However, it is essential to follow medical guidance if prescribed for a specific condition. 
• Frequency: It is commonly taken once per day, but some users may split the daily dose into two or more administrations to maintain more stable blood levels. 
• Timing: The timing of metandienone administration can vary. Some users take it before workouts to potentially enhance performance and recovery, while others may take it with meals to minimize potential gastrointestinal upset. 
• Duration: The duration of metandienone use should be determined by a healthcare professional if prescribed for a medical condition. In the context of performance enhancement, cycles typically last 6 to 8 weeks, followed by a period of discontinuation (known as “post-cycle therapy”) to allow the body to recover. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: metandienone 

Pronounced: (meh-tan-DIE-uh-none)  

Why do we use metandienone? 

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In the past, metandienone was used in hormone replacement therapy for conditions where an individual had low levels of testosterone or needed anabolic support for muscle wasting. 
• Treatment of Osteoporosis: metandienone was sometimes used to treat osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions to promote bone density. 
• Cachexia Management: It was used to manage cachexia, a condition characterized by severe muscle wasting and weight loss, often seen in patients with cancer or HIV/AIDS. 
• Performance Enhancement: Illegally, metandienone has been used by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance performance, increase muscle mass, and improve strength. It is often used in cycles with other anabolic steroids.