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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › ANABOLIC AGENTS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › ANABOLIC STEROIDS › Androstan derivatives
metandienone
A14AA03
Forms & Strengths
- Oral tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Adult Dosing
- Hypogonadism and catabolic states: 2.5 mg to 5 mg orally daily
- Refractory anemias: 10 mg to 20 mg orally daily
- Maximum recommended daily dose: 10 mg to 20 mg
- Duration of therapy: Typically limited to 4 to 6 weeks to minimize hepatotoxicity
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric populations
- Use is generally contraindicated in pediatric patients due to risk of premature epiphyseal closure and virilization
Indications
- Adjunctive therapy for protein-losing conditions and chronic catabolic states
- Relief of symptoms related to specific types of refractory anemias
- Off-label: Performance and physique enhancement in bodybuilders and athletes (unapproved)
Mechanism of Action
- Synthetic 17-alpha-alkylated derivative of testosterone with strong anabolic and moderate androgenic activity
- Binds to intracellular androgen receptors in target tissues, stimulating protein synthesis and decreasing protein catabolism
- Promotes nitrogen retention, positive calcium balance, and erythropoiesis
Contraindications
- Known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate or breast in male patients
- Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast in female patients due to virilizing effects
- Known hypersensitivity to metandienone or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Severe hepatic, renal, or cardiac impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Hepatotoxicity (cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis, hepatocellular adenomas, hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Endocrine/Metabolic: Suppression of spermatogenesis, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia in males; virilization, deepening of voice, hirsutism, clitoromegaly in females
- Cardiovascular: Dyslipidemia (decreased HDL, increased LDL), fluid retention, edema, hypertension
- Psychiatric/CNS: Aggression, mood swings, libido changes, dependence
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants: Enhanced anticoagulant effect of warfarin and coumarin derivatives, increasing bleeding risk
- Insulin and oral antidiabetic agents: Anabolic steroids may decrease blood glucose and insulin requirements
- Hepatotoxic drugs: Concomitant use increases the risk of severe hepatic adverse effects
- Corticosteroids and ACTH: Increased risk of severe edema
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use