Nandrolone
Nandrolone is a testosterone-derived anabolic androgen, commonly supplied as a long-acting ester. Veterinary use has historically focused on catabolic states and attempts to stimulate red-cell production. Its relative anabolic emphasis does not remove its androgenic activity, and evidence of clinical benefit varies with the disease and treatment objective.
Group
Anabolic steroid
Mechanism of Action
Nandrolone activates intracellular androgen receptors and changes expression of genes involved in protein synthesis and tissue growth. Increased nitrogen retention provides the basis for anabolic support. Androgen-dependent effects on erythropoietic signaling and marrow activity underlie historical use in some anemias. The eventual tissue or red-cell response depends on nutritional status, marrow function and the cause of disease.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anabolic support | 1–1.5 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food |
| Myelofibrosis adjunct | 2 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Up to 21 days; Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food; Part of a prednisolone-based plan; assess hematologic response. |
| Disuse muscle atrophy | 1.5 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Up to 56 days; Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food; Start at immobilization or surgery. |
| Renal anemia adjunct | 1–1.5 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food; Benefit may take 2-3 months and supporting evidence is poor. |
| Metabolic or endocrine anemia | 5 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Maximum 200 mg/dose; Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food; Treat the underlying cause. |
| Aplastic anemia | 1–3 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food |
| Appetite stimulation | 5 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Maximum 200 mg/dose; Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food |
| Renal anemia adjunct | 5 mg/kg | IM | Every 336–504 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food; Alternative every 2-3 weeks; do not exceed 200 mg in any week. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anabolic support | 1 mg/kg | IM | Every 168 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food |
| FeLV-associated anemia or marrow support | 10–20 mg/animal | IM | Every 168 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food; Benefit is questionable. |
| Cardiomyopathy-associated chronic anemia | 50 mg/animal | IM | Every 168 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anabolic support | 1 mg/kg | IM | Every 672 h | Do not use in: Animals intended for food, Pregnancy |
Reptiles
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renal disease-associated protein catabolism | 1 mg/kg | IM | Every 168–672 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Animals intended for food; Lizard species only. |
Indications
- Historical adjunctive anabolic support in selected catabolic or convalescent veterinary patients with muscle or body-weight loss; clinical benefit is incompletely established.
- Historical adjunctive erythropoietic support in selected nonregenerative anemias in dogs and cats, including renal or marrow-associated anemia, with limited efficacy evidence.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Hepatic disease requires caution.
Adverse effects
- Virilization and other androgenic effects.
Toxicity
Overexposure can cause fluid/sodium retention and androgenic effects; assess hepatic function and manage supportively.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nandrolone decanoate 50 mg/mL | Injection | 50 mg / mL | IM |
| Nandrolone decanoate 100 mg/mL | Injection | 100 mg / mL | IM |
| Nandrolone decanoate 200 mg/mL | Injection | 200 mg / mL | IM |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor hepatic enzymes. Veterinary efficacy and doses are based largely on anecdotal experience.
Protect injection from light; compounded-product stability is unestablished.
Androgens can antagonize insulin requirements and enhance oral anticoagulant effects; edema and fluid retention require assessment in cardiac or renal patients. Monitor CBC as well as liver enzymes.
Protect nandrolone injection from freezing and light; the cited storage preference is 15-30 C.