Oxymetholone, sold under the brand names Anadrol and Anapolon among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used primarily in the treatment of anemia.[4][5] It is also used to treat osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS wasting syndrome, and to promote weight gain[6] and muscle growth in certain situations.[4] It is taken by mouth.[4][5]

Side effects of oxymetholone include increased sexual desire as well as symptoms of masculinization like acne, increased hair growth, and voice changes.[4] It can also cause liver damage.[4][5] The drug is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and hence is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR), the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).[4][7] It has strong anabolic effects and weak androgenic effects.[4]

Oxymetholone was first prescribed in 1959 and was introduced for medical use but shortly after was discontinued due its high lipid toxicity in the year 1961.[4][8][9][10] It is used mostly in the United States.[4][11] In addition to its medical use, oxymetholone is used to improve physique and performance.[4] The drug is a controlled substance in many countries and so non-medical use is generally illicit.[4]