Oxymetholone

Mechanism :

Enhances the production and urinary excretion of erythropoietin in patients with anemias caused by bone marrow failure and stimulates erythropoiesis in anemias caused by deficient RBC production. It also suppresses gonadotropic functions of the pituitary and may exert a direct effect upon the testes.

Indication :

• Acquired and congenital aplastic anemia
• Myelofibrosis
• Hypoplastic anemia due to myelotoxic drugs.

Contraindications :

Carcinoma of the prostate or breast in male patients.

Carcinoma of the breast in females with hypercalcemia; androgenic anabolic steroids may stimulate osteolytic resorption of bones.

Oxymetholone can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. It is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking the drug, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Nephrosis or the nephrotic phase of nephritis, Hypersensitivity to the drug, Severe hepatic dysfunction.

Dosing :

Adverse Effect :

Men: Phallic enlargement with increased erections, impaired testicular function, testicular atrophy, oligospermia, impotence, chronic priapism, epididymitis, bladder irritability and decrease in seminal volume, gynecomastia, male-pattern of hair loss in post pubertal males.

Women: Clitoral enlargement, menstrual irregularities, deepening of the voice, hirsutism and male-pattern baldness.

Others: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, leukemia, acne, premature closure of epiphyses, muscle cramps, edema, retention of serum electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphate, calcium), cholestatic jaundice.

Interaction :

Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin): May increase sensitivity to oral anticoagulants, necessitating a reduction in anticoagulant dosage.
Insulin, Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Dosage of these agents may need adjustment in patients receiving anabolic steroids.

Hepatic Dose :