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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › ANABOLIC AGENTS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › ANABOLIC STEROIDS › Androstan derivatives
oxandrolone
A14AA08
Forms & Strengths
- Oral tablets: 2.5 mg
- Oral tablets: 10 mg
Adult Dosing
- Weight gain / Protein catabolism: 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily in 2 to 4 divided doses
- Duration of therapy: Usually 2 to 4 weeks
- May be repeated intermittently as indicated
Pediatric Dosing
- Protein catabolism / Adjunctive therapy: <= 0.1 mg/kg daily
- May be repeated intermittently as indicated
Indications
- Adjunctive therapy to promote weight gain after weight loss following extensive surgery, chronic infections, or severe trauma
- To ameliorate the catabolic loss of protein associated with prolonged administration of corticosteroids
- Relief of bone pain frequently accompanying osteoporosis
Mechanism of Action
- Synthetic oral testosterone derivative and anabolic steroid
- Binds to androgen receptors in target tissues, stimulating anabolic processes and decreasing protein catabolism
- Promotes nitrogen balance and improves protein synthesis while exhibiting lower relative androgenic activity compared to testosterone
Contraindications
- Known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate or the male breast
- Carcinoma of the breast in females with hypercalcemia
- Pregnancy
- Nephrosis, nephrotic phase of nephritis
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Hepatic: Peliosis hepatis, hepatocellular neoplasms, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic necrosis
- Endocrine/Metabolic: Suppression of clotting factors, increased serum cholesterol, altered glucose tolerance
- Reproductive: Virilization in females (deepening voice, hirsutism, acne, clitoromegaly), oligospermia and decreased libido in males
- Psychiatric: Habituation, excitation, insomnia, depression
- Fluid/Electrolyte: Edema, retention of sodium, potassium, chloride, and water
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants: Enhanced hypoprothrombinemic effect of oral anticoagulants, requiring dosage reduction of the anticoagulant
- Insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs: Anabolic steroids may decrease blood glucose and insulin requirements
- Adrenocorticosteroids or ACTH: May increase the development of edema
- Hepatotoxic drugs: Concomitant use may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use