From the FDA Drug Label
The daily adult dosage is 2. 5 mg to 20 mg given in 2 to 4 divided doses. A course of therapy of 2 to 4 weeks is usually adequate. For children the total daily dosage of Oxandrin is ≤0.1 mg per kilogram body weight or ≤0. 045 mg per pound of body weight. Recommended dose for geriatric patients is 5 mg bid.
The proper dose of Anavar (oxandrolone) is:
- 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily for adults, given in 2 to 4 divided doses
- ≤0.1 mg per kilogram body weight or ≤0.045 mg per pound of body weight for children
- 5 mg bid for geriatric patients
Precautions to be taken when using Anavar (oxandrolone) include:
- Monitoring for signs of virilization in women
- Monitoring for bleeding when used with warfarin
- Reporting any side effects, such as:
- Males: frequent or persistent erections, acne
- Females: hoarseness, acne, changes in menstrual periods, facial hair
- All patients: nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, ankle swelling
- Laboratory tests should be performed periodically to monitor:
- Liver function
- Lipid levels
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- X-ray examinations of bone age should be made every 6 months in children to determine the rate of bone maturation and the effects of androgen therapy on the epiphyseal centers 1 1
From the Research
Anavar (oxandrolone) should only be used under medical supervision for approved conditions, with a typical prescribed dose ranging from 2.5 to 20 mg daily, and precautions including regular liver function tests and lipid panels. The medication is used for conditions like weight gain after trauma or to offset protein catabolism with corticosteroids, with treatment duration of 2-4 weeks that may be repeated after a break if needed 2. Women and children generally receive lower doses (2.5-10 mg daily) than men (5-20 mg daily) 3. Potential side effects include liver damage, cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, and virilization in women, and the medication works by promoting protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, helping maintain lean body mass during catabolic states 4. Some key points to consider when using Anavar include:
- Regular monitoring of liver function and lipid profiles
- Avoidance of use during pregnancy or in individuals with liver disease, prostate cancer, or certain cardiovascular conditions
- Potential for abuse, particularly in bodybuilding communities, and the importance of adhering to medical recommendations
- The need for careful consideration of the benefits and risks of treatment, particularly in populations such as children and women. The most recent and highest quality study, from 2019, highlights the potential benefits of oxandrolone in protecting against multiorgan failure and promoting wound healing in burn injury, while also emphasizing the importance of careful dosing and monitoring 2. Overall, the use of Anavar requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks, and should only be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.