What is Anadrol Oil?
Anadrol (oxymetholone) is one of the most potent anabolic steroids available. Originally developed to treat anemia and bone wasting, it has since been studied in muscle-building and weight gain research. The oil form allows faster and more potent effects than oral formulations.
Anadrol is extremely strong in anabolic activity, resulting in rapid weight gain (up to 1-2 lbs per day possible). Hepatotoxicity is substantial due to C17-alpha alkylation.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical advice.
Comparison
Tablet or oil
17-alpha-alkylated steroids as tablets and as oil, as stated in the TPD lexicon. Tap a card to open its entry.
Simplified: same compound, different form. All oxymetholone studies used the tablet, there are none on the oil form. 1
How it works
Anadrol works through androgen receptor activation, but also through non-classical mechanisms enabled by its structure. The anabolic:androgenic ratio is exceptional, often calculated as 320:45 - i.e., extremely anabolic with relatively lower androgenicity.
- Extreme nitrogen retention - rapid protein biosynthesis
- Strong erythropoietin production - red blood cell production increased
- Low to moderate aromatization, but estrogenic effects still possible through aromatization
- Intense HPG axis suppression
- Water and sodium retention prominent - rapid weight gains partly water
Where it acts
Where oxymetholone acted in studies
Tap a point or a card. Colour = androgen receptor, grey = observed in studies. All studies with tablets.
- Skeletal muscle
Fat-free mass and strength rose, depending on the amount (older men, dialysis)2
AR - Liver
Liver enzymes rose, up to 35 percent with ALT above five times baseline3
Observed in trials - Blood
Approved for anaemia caused by too little red blood cell production1
Observed in trials - Fat tissue
Trunk fat fell by up to 2.2 kg in 12 weeks2
Observed in trials - Heart and blood lipids
HDL cholesterol fell markedly at both study levels2
Observed in trials
Targets in the ChEMBL database7
Compound CHEMBL1200585: one recorded mechanism, agonist with direct binding to the human receptor.
- Gene
- AR
- UniProt
- P10275
- ChEMBL
- CHEMBL1871
- Action
- Agonist, direct binding
Application and dosing
Dosing
Dosing, titration and syringe
Loading the dosing information …
- Getting started and stepping up, drawn as a staircase
- Units on the U-100 syringe for every step
- How long one vial lasts
What the research shows
Anadrol was well-studied for therapeutic purposes (anemia, bone wasting) but less so for muscle gain in healthy individuals. Available evidence shows:
- Extreme weight gains: 10-15 lbs in 4 weeks documented, but much is water
- Lean mass gains: Still significant, but difficult to separate from fluid retention
- Hepatotoxicity: Liver values (particularly ALKP and bilirubin) often substantially elevated
- Cardiovascular: Blood pressure increases prominent, LDL cholesterol increases strong
- Hematologic: Red blood cell increases can lead to polycythemia (too many red cells)
Study results
What the trials measured
Interactive: switch tabs, tap points, show or hide arms. Arms are named relative to each other, no dosing advice.
Fat-free mass and trunk fat after 12 weeks2
31 men aged 65 to 80, change in kg, tablet
Two study levels against placebo. The gain depended on the amount. HDL cholesterol fell markedly at both levels and the liver enzyme ALT rose at the higher level.
Maximum strength after 12 weeks2
Change in maximum strength in percent
Values from the abstract. The spread was wide (lat pull-down at the higher level plus or minus 21 percentage points). Without strength training, community-dwelling men.
Weight and body cell mass3
Phase 3 trial, 89 women and men, gain in kg
The highest level gave no more gain but more liver strain. Appetite and well-being improved. An earlier open study saw up to 8.2 kg gain at the peak.
Research status
Where the research stands
ClinicalTrials.gov lists no trial with oxymetholone. The studies on this page are older papers without a registry entry, all with tablets. As of 25 Oct 2026. 6
- Preclinical Hardly any studies on kinetics and tolerability before approval
- Phase 1 no registered trial
- Phase 2 no registered trial
- Phase 3 no registered trial
- Approval as a tablet
The approval predates today's trial registries, so the register shows no current trial for this form. 6
Side effects
Anadrol has a severe side effect profile, especially with prolonged use.
- Hepatic: Extremely hepatotoxic - liver function should be regularly monitored, cirrhosis is a real risk at high doses/prolonged duration
- Cardiovascular: Blood pressure increases often extreme, LDL cholesterol increases strong, HDL reduction
- Hematologic: Polycythemia risk (too many red cells - can lead to thrombosis), liver function changes
- Estrogenic: Despite low aromatization potential, gynecomastia possible (fluid retention amplifies this)
- Androgenic: Acne (often severe), alopecia, aggressive mood
- HPG axis: Complete suppression typical
- Gastrointestinal: Stomach upset, nausea, rarely abdominal pain
Tolerability
Liver enzymes in the HIV trial
Out of 100 participants, in how many the liver enzyme ALT rose above five times baseline.
| Event | Placebo | Twice daily | Three times daily (highest study dose, 150 mg per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALT above five times3 | 0% | 27% | 35% |
In older men ALT also rose markedly at the higher level. Reviews name jaundice from bile congestion as the most important liver damage, less often blood-filled liver cysts and liver tumours.321
Storage
Anadrol oil must be stored at room temperature, protected from light.
- Temperature: 15-25°C ideal
- Light: Store in dark (original vials or amber glass)
- Moisture: Keep dry
- Shelf life: 2-3 years stable with proper storage
- Note: Cool storage possible, but not in refrigerator - may cause crystallization
