What is the recommended dosage of Anavar (oxandrolone) for men?

Recommended Dosage of Anavar (Oxandrolone) for Men

The recommended daily dosage of Anavar (oxandrolone) for adult men is 2.5 mg to 20 mg given in 2 to 4 divided doses, with a typical course of therapy lasting 2 to 4 weeks. 1

FDA-Approved Dosing Guidelines

• The FDA-approved dosage for oxandrolone in adult men ranges from 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily, divided into 2-4 doses 1
• A typical treatment course lasts 2-4 weeks, which may be repeated intermittently as indicated 1
• For geriatric patients, the recommended dose is 5 mg twice daily (10 mg total daily) 1

Dosing Considerations Based on Clinical Evidence

• The therapeutic response to oxandrolone varies significantly between individuals, with some patients responding to doses as low as 2.5 mg daily while others may require up to 20 mg daily 1
• In clinical studies for muscle-wasting conditions, a dose of 20 mg daily has been shown effective for increasing lean body mass and muscle strength in older men 2
• Higher doses (above FDA recommendations) are associated with increased risk of adverse effects without proportional therapeutic benefit 1

Common Adverse Effects

• Common side effects include weight gain, virilization, acne, altered libido, muscle pains and cramps 3
• Other potential adverse effects include headaches, depression, fatigue, nausea, constipation, and increases in liver enzymes 3
• Oxandrolone can cause alterations in lipid profile and hypertension 3
• Less common but serious side effects may include cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis and hepatocellular adenoma 3

Important Monitoring Parameters

• Liver function tests should be monitored regularly, at least monthly 3
• Monitor for changes in lipid profile and blood pressure 3
• Assess for signs of virilization and other androgenic side effects 3

Duration of Treatment and Cycling

• Therapy should be intermittent rather than continuous 1
• After a 2-4 week course, discontinuation is recommended before considering another course 1
• The effects on lean body mass and muscle strength typically diminish within 12 weeks after discontinuation 2
• Interestingly, reductions in total body fat and trunk fat may persist for at least 12 weeks after discontinuation 2

Contraindications

• Oxandrolone should not be used during pregnancy or lactation 3
• Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment 1
• Not recommended for use in patients with prostate cancer or male breast cancer 1

Clinical Considerations

• Oxandrolone is a 17α-alkylated androgen, which allows for oral administration but increases hepatotoxicity risk compared to injectable testosterone derivatives 3
• It has a more favorable anabolic-to-androgenic ratio compared to testosterone, which may result in fewer androgenic side effects at therapeutic doses 3
• The medication should be used as adjunctive therapy and not as a replacement for conventional therapy 1

Remember that oxandrolone is a controlled substance with potential for abuse, and its use should be limited to legitimate medical purposes under appropriate medical supervision.