Anadrol vs Oxandrolone
FDA Approved vs Well Studied
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both Anadrol and Oxandrolone carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
Anadrol Oxandrolone
Weight 332.48 Da 306.44 Da
Half-life ~8-9 hours ~9-10 hours
Type 17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroid (C21H32O3) 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C19H30O3)
Key Benefits
Anadrol
01 Rapid and dramatic increases in muscle mass and bodyweight
02 Exceptional strength gains, often noticeable within the first week
03 Potent stimulation of erythropoietin and red blood cell production
04 Increased appetite and nutrient partitioning in some users
05 Improved recovery between training sessions
06 Full, round muscle appearance due to intramuscular water and glycogen retention
07 FDA-approved treatment for various forms of anemia
Oxandrolone
01 Promotes lean muscle mass gains with minimal water retention
02 Supports recovery of lost body weight following surgery, trauma, or chronic illness
03 Reduces bone pain associated with osteoporosis and improves bone mineral density
04 Does not aromatize to estrogen, avoiding estrogen-related side effects
05 Well-studied safety profile in women, children, and burn patients
06 Enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis during caloric deficit
07 Attenuates glucocorticoid-induced catabolism in post-surgical and burn patients
08 Lower androgenic potency compared to most oral anabolic steroids
Side Effects
Anadrol
Significant water retention and bloating (estrogenic, not aromatase-mediated)
Elevated blood pressure (fluid volume and RBC increase)
Severe liver stress and elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
Back pumps and lower back pain during exercise
Headaches (often blood pressure-related)
Appetite suppression (paradoxical for a mass-building compound)
Lethargy and fatigue (hepatic strain-related)
Acne and oily skin
Suppression of natural testosterone production
Oxandrolone
HDL cholesterol suppression (dose-dependent, most significant lipid effect)
LDL cholesterol elevation
Mild hepatic stress (elevated liver enzymes ALT/AST)
Suppression of endogenous testosterone production
Mild headaches
Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
Changes in libido (increase or decrease depending on hormonal context)
Oily skin and mild acne
Contraindications
Pre-existing liver disease or significantly elevated liver enzymes
Prostate cancer or breast cancer in males
Nephrotic phase of nephritis
Hypercalcemia (Anadrol can exacerbate calcium levels)
Pregnancy (Category X - causes virilization of the female fetus)
Known hypersensitivity to oxymetholone
Concurrent use of other 17-alpha alkylated oral steroids (compounded liver toxicity)
Known or suspected prostate cancer
Breast cancer in males
Breast cancer with hypercalcemia in females
Pregnancy (Category X - known to cause fetal harm)
Nephrosis or nephrotic phase of nephritis
Hypercalcemia
Severe hepatic dysfunction or active liver disease
Hypersensitivity to oxandrolone or any formulation component
Research Evidence
Anadrol Oxandrolone
Status FDA Approved Well Studied
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest 2018 September 2023
FDA Approved Yes Yes
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.