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Anabolic Steroid — Burns Hypermetabolism

Oxandrolone

Brand names: Oxandrin, Anavar

Oxandrolone is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid that has been used as an adjunct in severe burns to attenuate catabolism and support lean body mass and wound healing during the hypermetabolic phase.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

As an androgen-receptor agonist with relatively anabolic activity, it promotes protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, helping to counter the profound muscle catabolism seen after major burn injury.

Prescribing in practice

  • Hepatotoxicity, including cholestasis and abnormal liver function, is a key concern with oral anabolic steroids, so monitor liver function during treatment.
  • It can cause virilising and androgenic effects and adversely affect lipid profile, and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
  • Use is specialist and adjunctive within burns rehabilitation; prescribe against current prescribing references as availability in the UK is limited.

Monitoring

Monitor liver function and lipid profile, alongside clinical markers of nutritional and functional recovery, during therapy.

Counselling the patient

  • Explain that this medicine is used to help rebuild muscle and aid recovery after a major burn.
  • Advise reporting jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain or unusual swelling.
  • Discuss potential androgenic effects and the need to avoid pregnancy.

Evidence & guidelines

Anabolic support in severe burns has been studied with oxandrolone showing benefits on lean mass in burns rehabilitation; use remains specialist and guided by current prescribing references.

Reference: Herndon et al. Ann Surg (2009) — Oxandrolone in Burns; BBA Major Burns Management Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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