Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

oxymetholone is an anabolic steroid that is used to promote weight gain in patients with wasting conditions such as HIV/AIDS. It is also used to treat osteoporosis and anemia. Here are some of its actions and spectrum:

• Anabolic effects: oxymetholone has anabolic solid effects, promoting muscle tissue growth and repair. It can lead to an increase in muscle mass and strength.
• Androgenic effects: oxymetholone also has androgenic effects, which promote the development of male sex characteristics such as facial hair and deepening of the voice. It can also lead to adverse side effects such as acne, hair loss, and aggression.
• Increased red blood cell production: oxymetholone stimulates the production of red blood cells, which can benefit patients with anemia.
• Improved bone density: oxymetholone can help increase bone density, making it useful for patients with osteoporosis.

Hepatotoxicity: Like other oral anabolic steroids, oxymetholone can be hepatotoxic (damaging to the liver). It is essential to use this medication only as prescribed and to monitor liver function regularly.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined

Depression

Excitation

Habituation

Insomnia

Acne

Gynecomastia

Change in libido

Diarrhea

Nausea

Vomiting

Electrolyte & water retention

Decreased glucose tolerance

Increased LDL

Decreased HDL

Cholestatic jaundice

Muscle cramps

Increased serum CPK

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:

Peliosis Hepatis, Liver Cell Tumors, and blood lipid changes are reported.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:

• Allergy: Patients allergic to oxymetholone or any of its ingredients should not use this medication.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: oxymetholone should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the developing fetus or infant.
• Prostate cancer: oxymetholone should not be used by patients with prostate cancer or a history of prostate cancer.
• Liver disease: oxymetholone is hepatotoxic and should not be used by patients with liver disease or a history of liver disease.
• Cardiovascular disease: oxymetholone can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and should not be used by patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Children: oxymetholone should not be used in children unless directed by a healthcare provider.
• Diabetes: oxymetholone can affect blood sugar levels and should be used with caution in patients with diabetes.
• Breast cancer: oxymetholone can cause breast enlargement in men and should not be used by patients with breast cancer or a history of breast cancer.
• Kidney disease: oxymetholone can affect kidney function and should be used cautiously in patients with kidney disease or a history of kidney disease.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:

Category X

Breastfeeding warnings:

Not recommended as excretion of the drug in breastmilk is unknown

Pregnancy category:

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
• Category B: No evidence of risk to the fetus is found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women.
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a human product; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks.
• Category D: There is adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergencies for potential benefits.
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women.
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:

oxymetholone is an anabolic steroid that works by increasing protein synthesis in muscle cells, leading to an increase in muscle mass and strength. It also has androgenic effects, meaning it promotes the development of male sex characteristics such as facial hair and deepening of the voice.

oxymetholone stimulates erythropoiesis, or the production of red blood cells, which can benefit patients with anemia. It also has an anti-catabolic effect, which helps prevent muscle tissue breakdown.

oxymetholone is administered orally and is metabolized in the liver. It has a half-life of about 8 hours, meaning it stays in the body for a relatively short period. It is excreted in the urine as metabolites.

oxymetholone is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a moderate to low potential for abuse and dependence. However, it is often abused by athletes and bodybuilders who use it to enhance athletic performance or improve their physical appearance

Pharmacodynamics:

The pharmacodynamics of oxymetholone is complex and needs to be fully understood. Still, the medication primarily works by increasing protein synthesis in muscle cells, increasing muscle mass and strength. It is due to the activation of androgen receptors in muscle tissue, which stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits protein breakdown.

In addition to its anabolic effects, oxymetholone also has androgenic effects, promoting the development of male sex characteristics such as facial hair and the deepening of the voice. It is due to the activation of androgen receptors in other tissues, such as the skin and hair follicles.

oxymetholone also has erythropoietic effects, meaning it stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It can be beneficial for patients with anemia or other blood disorders.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption

oxymetholone is administered orally and is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It has a bioavailability of approximately 70%, meaning that 70% of the drug reaches systemic circulation after oral administration.

Distribution

Once absorbed, oxymetholone is distributed to various tissues throughout the body, including muscle tissue, bone, and the liver. It is highly protein-bound, with up to 94% of the drug bound to plasma proteins.

Metabolism

oxymetholone is metabolized in the liver, primarily by the enzyme CYP2D6, to several metabolites, including 17α-methyl-5α-androstane-3,17β-diol and 17α-methyl-5β-androstane-3,17β-diol. These metabolites are excreted in the urine.

Elimination

The elimination half-life of oxymetholone is approximately 8 to 9 hours. It is primarily excreted in the urine, with only tiny amount eliminated in the feces.

Adminstartion

Administration:

oxymetholone is an anabolic steroid used to treat certain types of anemia and muscle wasting in some medical conditions. It is typically administered orally in the form of tablets.

The usual adult dosage for oxymetholone is 1-5 mg/kg body weight per day, with a maximum dose of 150 mg/day. The dosage should be individualized based on the patient’s response and tolerance to the drug.

oxymetholone should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. It is recommended to take it simultaneously each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in the bloodstream.

The duration of treatment with oxymetholone should be as short as possible to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Treatment should be periodically reviewed to assess the need for continued therapy.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: oxymetholone

Pronounced: oks-i-METH-oh-lone

Why do we use oxymetholone?

oxymetholone is an anabolic steroid primarily used to treat anemia, a condition characterized by a body’s shortage of red blood cells. It works by increasing the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

oxymetholone can also treat muscle wasting associated with certain medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS. It helps increase muscle mass and strength, improving overall physical function and quality of life.