Anadrol (Oxymetholone) — Dosing, Cycles, Half-Life & Side Effects
Anadrol (Oxymetholone) is an oral anabolic-androgenic steroid with a half-life of 8-9 hours. Very potent oral steroid for rapid gains. Primary risks include significant hepatotoxicity, strong HPTA suppression, liver stress typical of 17α-alkylated orals. This page is educational harm-reduction reference compiled from peer-reviewed literature — not medical advice, not an endorsement, not a recommendation to use. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision.
Quick Facts
| Class | Orals |
|---|---|
| Half-life | 8-9 hours |
| Detection window | 60 days |
| Aromatization | No (estrogenic via non-aromatase pathway) |
| Hepatotoxicity | Very High |
| Suppression | 8/10 |
| 17α-alkylated | Yes |
| Administration | oral |
Typical Dosing Ranges
Common dose range: 25-50mg/day
Cycle length: 4-6 weeks
Time to steady state: ~2 days
Dose ranges are compiled from published pharmacokinetic studies and community-reported usage. Where a value is community-reported rather than clinically studied, this page and its structured data flag it. Lower end of any range is always the safer starting point.
Stacking Considerations
- Do not stack with another 17α-alkylated oral. Dual-17αα stacking is prohibited in StackItSmart and unsafe for the liver.
- Incompatible combinations per internal rule set: Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), Superdrol (Methasterone), Winstrol (Stanozolol).
PCT Requirements
- This compound causes clinically meaningful HPTA suppression. Post-cycle therapy is recommended.
- Depot clearance estimate: ~2 days post-last-dose before SERM start (5 × apparent depot half-life of 9h).
- Never stack two SERMs. Extend a single SERM (tamoxifen OR enclomiphene/clomiphene) rather than combining.
- Use the cycle planner to generate a full protocol based on your complete stack, not this compound alone.
Side Effect Profile
- Very liver toxic
- Water retention
- High suppression
- Side effects
Known Interactions
Anavar (Oxandrolone) + Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
major — hepatotoxicAnadrol is highly hepatotoxic. Combination creates extreme liver stress.
Recommendation: Do not combine. Anadrol alone requires liver monitoring.
Monitor: Full liver panel weekly
Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) + Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
major — hepatotoxicTwo of the most hepatotoxic oral steroids. Extreme liver damage risk.
Recommendation: Never combine. Both individually require careful liver monitoring.
Monitor: Full liver panel weekly
Related compounds
Monitoring (Bloodwork & Vitals)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (baseline, mid-cycle, post-cycle)
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
- CBC (hemoglobin, hematocrit — watch for erythrocytosis)
- Sex-hormone panel (Total T, Free T, Estradiol sensitive, SHBG, LH, FSH)
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) every 2–4 weeks on oral 17αα cycles
- Blood pressure (weekly self-check; flag systolic >140 or diastolic >90)
Baseline bloodwork is recommended before any cycle. Discontinue if liver enzymes exceed 3× upper limit of normal or if hematocrit exceeds 54%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the half-life of Anadrol (Oxymetholone)?
Anadrol (Oxymetholone) has a half-life of approximately 8-9 hours. Clearance estimate: 9h × 5 = 45h = 2 days. This figure is used to determine injection frequency (for esters) and post-cycle clearance timing.
What is the typical dose range for Anadrol (Oxymetholone)?
Commonly reported ranges for Anadrol (Oxymetholone): 25-50mg/day. Cycle length: 4-6 weeks. These are compiled from published studies and community-reported usage — individual response varies and lower end is always preferred.
Does Anadrol (Oxymetholone) suppress natural testosterone?
Anadrol (Oxymetholone) causes strong suppression of the HPTA axis (score 8/10). Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is recommended after use.
Is Anadrol (Oxymetholone) liver toxic?
Hepatotoxicity rating: Very High. Anadrol (Oxymetholone) is 17α-alkylated, which bypasses first-pass liver metabolism and increases hepatic stress. Oral 17αα cycles should be capped at 6 weeks and paired with liver monitoring (ALT/AST every 2–4 weeks).
Does Anadrol (Oxymetholone) aromatize to estrogen?
Aromatization profile: No (estrogenic via non-aromatase pathway). Minimal to no aromatization expected, so aromatase inhibitors are not typically indicated for this compound alone.
What is Anadrol (Oxymetholone) typically used for?
Anadrol (Oxymetholone) is commonly used for: Bulking, Strength gains, Advanced users. Intended-use context does not imply safety — every use case carries the same underlying pharmacological risks.
Citations
- Hartgens F, Kuipers H. 2004. Sports Med — Half-life 8-9 hours for oxymetholone oral
- Liu et al.. 2025. Substance Use & Misuse — AAS meta-analysis: SBP +12.43 mmHg (95% CI: 9.59-15.26), LDL-C +9.12 mg/dL (95% CI: 6.75-11.49)
- Hartgens F, Kuipers H. Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes. Sports Med 2004
Disclaimer
StackItSmart is an independent harm-reduction reference. The content above is compiled from peer-reviewed literature and is not medical advice, not an endorsement, and not a recommendation to use Anadrol (Oxymetholone). Performance-enhancing compounds carry legal, endocrine, cardiovascular, and hepatic risks. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision. StackItSmart does not provide sourcing, procurement, or dosing prescriptions.