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Nandrolone

Androgen · Disorders of bone metabolism

Also known as Nandrolone decanoate

AndrogenDisorders of bone metabolism
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
X
FDA category + note

Mechanism

Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, acts intracellularly by binding to androgen receptors. This interaction initiates a series of events leading to growth, differentiation, and synthesis of various enzymes and other functional proteins.

Indications

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (but not recommended)catabolic states (for short periods)osteoporosissuboptimal growth in boys (controversial)hypoplastic anaemiahaemolytic anaemiamalignancy associated anaemiaenhance physical ability in athletes (illegal)

Dosing

Adult
Adult (female): 50 mg every 3 weeks by deep intramuscular injection.
Pediatric
10 mg (phenyl propionate)

Contraindications

  • Acute porphyrias
  • carcinoma of prostate
  • male breast carcinoma
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • pregnancy (masculinization of female foetus)
  • men aged >65 years
  • coronary artery disease
  • congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • sleep apnoea
  • migraine
  • epilepsy

Side effects

Common
Clitoris enlargeddysphoniahirsutismhypertensionlibido increasednauseaoedemaskin reactionssodium retentionurine flow decreasedvirilizing side effects
Serious
  • Hepatic disorders
  • hepatic neoplasm
  • virilism (with high doses including voice changes - sometimes irreversible)

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

X

Related guidelines

Other Androgen drugs

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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team