Compound profile
Oxymetholone
Also known as Anadrol, Anadrol-50, Drol
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
A strong oral steroid used medically for certain anemias, known in bodybuilding for rapid weight and water gain.
- Class
- Anabolic steroids
- Status
- FDA-approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
A DHT-derived steroid modified to survive the liver. It stimulates red blood cell production; it doesn't convert to estrogen, yet water retention is commonly reported.
What makes it different
Still FDA-approved, for anemias caused by poor red blood cell production; a strong oral steroid that causes water retention even though it doesn't convert to estrogen.
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Mechanism & pathways
-
Agonist
Androgen receptor
Receptor for testosterone and DHT. Activating it builds muscle and drives male traits such as body hair and a deeper voice. Every anabolic steroid binds it.
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Stimulates
Red blood cell production
How the bone marrow makes red blood cells (erythropoiesis). Androgens stimulate it, which is why hematocrit is monitored during testosterone treatment.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Approved on older clinical data in anemia; also studied in small trials for HIV-related wasting.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Medically, it boosts red blood cell production in certain anemias. Bodybuilders use it for rapid weight and strength gains.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Water retention and weight gain
- Raised blood pressure
- Nausea
- Acne
- Breast tissue growth (gynecomastia)
Risks and warnings
- Boxed warning: peliosis hepatis (blood-filled liver cysts), liver tumors, and blood lipid changes
- Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors.
- Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk.
- Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death.
- Shuts down the body's own testosterone production: testicles shrink and sperm counts fall, and recovery after stopping can take months or be incomplete.
- In women: masculinizing effects (deeper voice, facial and body hair, clitoral enlargement) that can be permanent.
- In teenagers, can close growth plates early and stunt final height.
- Schedule III controlled substance in the US: illegal to possess without a prescription.
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Oxymetholone?
A strong oral steroid used medically for certain anemias, known in bodybuilding for rapid weight and water gain.
How does Oxymetholone work?
A DHT-derived steroid modified to survive the liver. It stimulates red blood cell production; it doesn't convert to estrogen, yet water retention is commonly reported.
What receptors or pathways does Oxymetholone act on?
androgen receptor (agonist) and red blood cell production (stimulates).
How is Oxymetholone different from similar compounds?
Still FDA-approved, for anemias caused by poor red blood cell production; a strong oral steroid that causes water retention even though it doesn't convert to estrogen.
Is Oxymetholone approved?
FDA-approved (Anadrol-50) for anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production, such as aplastic anemia.
What has Oxymetholone been studied for?
Medically, it boosts red blood cell production in certain anemias. Bodybuilders use it for rapid weight and strength gains.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Approved on older clinical data in anemia; also studied in small trials for HIV-related wasting.
What are the main risks?
Boxed warning: peliosis hepatis (blood-filled liver cysts), liver tumors, and blood lipid changes. Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors. Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- FDA prescribing information for Anadrol-50.
- LiverTox (NIH): Androgenic steroids.
- Pope HG et al. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2014.