Drug reference

Oxymetholone

Androgen · Treatment for Aplastic Anemia

AndrogenTreatment for Aplastic Anemia

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

9 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 9 →

AnisindioneSevereDatabaseDDInter
CarfilzomibSevereDatabaseDDInter
DicoumarolSevereDatabaseDDInter
LeflunomideSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

As an anabolic steroid, oxymetholone acts intracellularly in target cells. It binds to the intracellular androgen receptor, initiating a cascade of events that lead to growth, differentiation, and the synthesis of various enzymes and functional proteins, thereby exerting its anabolic and androgenic effects.

Indications

Aplastic anaemiacatabolic states (for short periods)osteoporosissuboptimal growth in boys (controversial)hypoplastic anaemiahaemolytic anaemiamalignancy associated anaemiaenhance physical ability in athletes (illegal)

Dosing

Adult: Can be used for 3 to 6 months for aplastic anaemia.
Pediatric: 0.1 mg/kg

Contraindications

Heart disease (especially with large doses)
Kidney disease (especially with large doses)
Liver disease (due to risk of cholestatic jaundice and hepatic carcinoma)
Prepubertal boys (due to risk of precocious puberty and stunting of stature)
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

OligozoospermiaTesticular atrophy (with prolonged use)Salt retentionEdemaGynaecomastiaLowering of HDL levelsRise in LDL levelsVirilization (in women: growth of facial and body hair, deepening of voice, enlargement of the clitoris, frontal baldness)Precocious puberty (in young boys)Premature sexual behaviour (in young boys)Stunting of stature (in young boys due to early epiphyseal closure)virilizing side effectsjaundiceworsened lipid profile

Serious