BALTIC PHARMACEUTICALS OXYMETHOLONE 50MG

Oxymetholone (Anadrol) 50mg is the most powerful oral bulking steroid available, producing rapid mass and strength gains that rival injectable compounds. Originally developed in the 1960s by Syntex to treat anaemia and muscle wasting diseases, Anadrol has an anabolic rating of 320 and an androgenic rating of 45. Despite these seemingly moderate numbers, real-world results are exceptional: users routinely report 7-15 kg of weight gain in 4-6 weeks, making it the fastest mass-building oral on the market.

How Anadrol Works

Anadrol’s mechanism is multifaceted and not fully explained by its anabolic/androgenic ratings alone. Beyond standard androgen receptor binding, Oxymetholone dramatically increases red blood cell production by stimulating erythropoietin, enhances nitrogen retention to a degree that exceeds most other orals, and significantly boosts appetite in the majority of users. The rapid weight gain in the first 2 weeks is primarily glycogen supercompensation and intramuscular water retention, which fills out the muscles and dramatically increases the appearance of size.

Unlike Dianabol, Anadrol does not aromatise to oestrogen through the aromatase enzyme. However, it does cause oestrogen-like side effects (water retention, gynecomastia) through a different mechanism: it is believed to directly activate the oestrogen receptor. This means aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex are ineffective against Anadrol’s oestrogenic activity. Nolvadex (a SERM that blocks the oestrogen receptor directly) is the appropriate management tool if gynecomastia symptoms appear during an Anadrol cycle.

Suggested Protocol

• Dose: 50mg/day for beginners, 50-100mg/day for intermediates. Do not exceed 100mg/day. Higher doses increase side effects dramatically without proportional gains
• Cycle length: 4-6 weeks maximum. Anadrol is C17-aa and among the most hepatotoxic oral steroids
• Timing: take as a single dose pre-workout or split into two daily doses (morning and pre-workout)
• Best used as: a kickstart for the first 4-6 weeks of a Testosterone Enanthate cycle, or standalone for experienced users who want rapid short-term size
• Liver support: TUDCA 500mg/day is mandatory. No alcohol. Avoid paracetamol. Get liver enzymes tested at mid-cycle
• Have Nolvadex on hand for gynecomastia flare-ups (AIs do not work against Anadrol’s oestrogenic activity)
• PCT: Nolvadex 40/40/20/20mg. Begin next day after last dose (standalone) or 14 days after last Test injection (stacked)

Anadrol vs Dianabol

• Anadrol: stronger overall, more dramatic weight and strength gains, does not aromatise (but still oestrogenic via direct receptor activation), harsher on liver and blood values, appetite-boosting
• Dianabol: slightly less aggressive, aromatises (manageable with standard AI), more “wet” gains, better mood/wellbeing for most users, slightly less hepatotoxic
• Strength focus: Anadrol is generally considered superior for raw strength. Powerlifters often prefer it for meet prep
• First oral bulk: Dianabol is usually recommended first due to its more predictable and manageable side-effect profile

What to Expect

• Week 1: dramatic weight increase (3-5 kg), mostly intramuscular water and glycogen. Appetite increase. Energy and mood may improve
• Week 2-3: strength on all compound lifts jumps noticeably. Visible muscle fullness. Pumps become extreme (some users report lower back pumps that limit deadlifting)
• Week 4-6: peak size and strength. Time to assess whether to continue to week 6 or stop at week 4 based on side effects and bloodwork
• Post-cycle: expect to lose 40-50% of scale weight gained (water and glycogen). Actual lean tissue retained is typically 3-6 kg with proper PCT and nutrition

Side Effects

• Liver stress: high. Anadrol is among the most hepatotoxic oral steroids. ALT/AST elevations of 3-10x above normal range are documented. Strict 4-6 week limit with TUDCA
• Water retention and bloating: significant. Manage sodium intake. Monitor blood pressure daily
• Blood pressure elevation: substantial. The combination of water retention, increased red blood cell volume, and hepatic stress pushes BP up considerably
• Gynecomastia: possible via direct oestrogen receptor activation. AIs do not help. Nolvadex is the appropriate intervention
• Appetite changes: most users report increased appetite. A minority experience nausea or appetite loss, particularly at 100mg/day
• Back pumps: painful lower back pumps during deadlifts and bent-over rows are common. Taurine 3-5g/day helps
• Testosterone suppression: complete. PCT mandatory

Key Facts

• Active ingredient: Oxymetholone 50mg per tablet
• Anabolic / Androgenic: 320 / 45
• Half-life: 8-9 hours
• Aromatisation: no (but oestrogenic via direct receptor activation)
• C17-alpha alkylated: yes (high liver toxicity)
• Detection time: 8 weeks

Read our Dianabol Guide for a comparison with the other top oral bulking compound. For side-effect management, see our Side Effects Guide. Browse all oral steroids.