Oxymetholone – Anadrol
Anadrol (oxymetholone) is a synthetic steroidal drug available as a tablet. it is a potent oral anabolic and androgenic drug.
Anadrol is an anabolic steroid. It improves nitrogen balance when the diet is sufficient in calories. The actions of anadrol are similar to testosterone and can cause serious impairment in sexual and physical growth when given to children. Children who have taken this drug develop grotesque physical features and usually have disordered sexual function.
Pharmacology
Anadrol, is sold under the pharmaceutical name Oxymetholone, and has a half life of about 8-10 hours. This means it remains in your body for 2-4 times longer. The reason it stays in the body longer is because of its affinity for fatty tissues where it gets stored.
Biochemical analysis have shown that Anadrol can be detected in the body for up to 2 months after the last dose. Because of this long half life, it is not the preferred drug of choice by many body builders. Most experts recommend it as an off season drug to build the body.
Indications
In clinical medicine, Anadrol has been indicated in the treatment of anemias from a variety of different causes. The most common anemia treated with Anadrol is iron deficiency anemia, acquired aplastic anemia, congenital aplastic anemia, myleofibrosis and the anemia caused by the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Anadrol is not a replacement for iron, blood transfusion, vitamin, folic acid or other nutrients. It is only used to treat these anemias after they have failed to respond to all other supportive measures.
The drug has also been recommended for the treatment of wasting seen in HIV patients and in individuals with severe osteoporosis. However, because of the greater awareness of its potential side effects, most physicians do not prescribe it.
Dosage
The dose of Anadrol is based on body weight. In both adults and children this is about 1.5-2mg/kg (50-200mg/week). When Anadrol is administered to treat any of the above medical disorders, its response is never immediate and may take a minimum of 2-3 weeks. In some patients a slightly lower dose is required to maintain its benefit when treating aplastic anemias. Anadrol is only available as a tablet and never given intravenously.
Side effects
Before one use Anadrol there are a few things you should know. Anadrol is a potent steroid and is associated with a fair number of side effects which include:
- jaundice
- possibility of liver cancer
- enlargement of penis if taken before puberty
- testicular atrophy and low sperm count if taken after puberty
- impotence, painful penile erections
- in women- clitoral enlargement, menstrual irregularities
- lack of sleep
- gynecomastia- breast enlargement
- deepening of voice
- excessive hair growth
- general fatigue
- swelling of the body
- high sugars
Contraindications
- cancer of the prostate
- male breast cancer
- female breast cancer
- pregnant females
- those with liver problems
- those who have allergies to the drug
Bodybuilding
Anadrol is a very widely used drug among athletes and body builders. It a very powerful anabolic steroid and relatively inexpensive. The drug is easy to get hold off on the black market. Most of the body builders get their supplies either online or from forged prescriptions. The steroid is also widely smuggled in from Mexico and Thailand.
When Anadrol is taken orally, it gradually starts to increase weight gain. The results are typically seen after 3-4 weeks. While there are claims in cyberspace that weight gain can occur in 1-2 weeks, these are completely false. The drug acts slowly. To maintain the weight gain most athletes have to take it for at least 3-6 weeks. Many athletes also recycle the drug with growth hormone and thyroxin. One major side effect of Anadrol is that it also causes water retention. However, most athletes claim that this excess water helps cushion the joints against injury.
The other feature about Anadrol which has been widely reported is that it does help the body recover much faster after an injury.
Because of it potent side effects and the potential for causing cancer in the liver, its usage should be limited. Many body builders recycle the drug every few months to maintain the bulk. The Anadrol is substituted with other anabolic steroids.
Recent reports indicate that Anadrol can also have unpredictable effects on the brain. The drug has been known to affect the psyche after prolonged use. Many reports of spontaneous anger, irritability and violence have been reported in individuals who take this drug for prolonged periods.
The dose for body building is empirical. Most experts in body building recommend starting off at 50 mg daily for 2-3 weeks and then gradually increasing it to 75 mg if no response is seen. However, it is highly recommended that the drug not be taken for more than 6-8 weeks at a time. There are various brand names of Anadrol on the market such as Thai 50 or Strol V. Reports of fake and contaminated products are also common.
Cost
Anadrol is a relatively pricey drug. 100 tablets cost anywhere form $150-$200.
Control
The widespread abuse of Anadrol has led to greater control and restriction of its use and distribution in North America. Anadrol is a controlled substance listed as a Schedule 111 drug under the Controlled Substance Act. It requires a physician’s prescription. Anyone caught with the drug for the purpose of selling or distributing it can face significant monetary fines and even jail time.
Detection
The drug is now banned by all sporting organizations and is regularly tested for in athletes. Positive tests usually mean suspension of the athlete. Anadrol and its metabolites can be easily identified in the urine for 20-45 days after the last dose.