Summary:

Nandrolone decanoate is an anabolic steroid used to manage anemia related to renal insufficiency by increasing hemoglobin levels and red blood cell mass.

Generic Name:
Nandrolone decanoate

DrugBank Accession Number:
DB08804

Background:

Nandrolone decanoate, also known as nandrolone caprinate, is an alkylated anabolic steroid. It is primarily indicated for managing anemia associated with renal insufficiency. In some regions, it is also used as an adjunct therapy for treating senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis. The esterification of nandrolone was patented in Spain in 1959, and in 1960, it was recognized for its prolonged action and potent anabolic effects compared to other esters. Nandrolone decanoate was approved by the FDA on October 5, 1962.

Type:
Small Molecule

Groups:
Approved, Illicit

Chemical Structure:

• Weight: Average: 428.6472; Monoisotopic: 428.329045274
• Chemical Formula: C28H44O3
• Synonyms: Nandrolone decanoate

Pharmacology

Indications:
Nandrolone decanoate is used to manage anemia related to renal insufficiency. In Canada, it is also indicated as adjunct therapy for senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings:
Patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic conditions should be cautious as the drug may exacerbate these issues. The therapeutic window is wide, and acute overdoses are rare.

Pharmacodynamics:
Nandrolone decanoate is hydrolyzed to nandrolone, which interacts with the androgen receptor within cells. This interaction triggers a series of actions, including transcription regulation via the androgen receptor, activation of ERK, Akt, MAPK pathways, or competitive inhibition of transcription factors.

Mechanism of Action:
Nandrolone decanoate is converted into nandrolone, which binds to the androgen receptor in cells, leading to a conformational change. The receptor then translocates into the nucleus, where it dimerizes and binds to DNA segments to regulate gene transcription.

Absorption:

• 50 mg dose: Cmax 2.14 ng/mL; Tmax 30 hours; AUC 400 h*ng/mL
• 100 mg dose: Cmax 4.26 ng/mL; Tmax 30 hours; AUC 862 h*ng/mL
• 150 mg dose: Cmax 5.16 ng/mL; Tmax 72 hours; AUC 1261 h*ng/mL

Volume of Distribution:
Not available.

Protein Binding:
After conversion to nandrolone, it binds to sex hormone-binding globulin.

Metabolism:
Nandrolone decanoate is metabolized into nandrolone and further into urinary metabolites like 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone. These metabolites undergo glucuronidation.

Route of Elimination:
Primarily through urine. Data regarding fecal elimination is limited, but studies in cattle suggest about 30% fecal elimination.

Half-life:

• Absorption half-life: 6 days
• Elimination half-life: 4.3 hours
• Terminal half-life: 7.1 to 11.8 hours depending on dosage

Clearance:

• 50 mg dose: 80.0 L/h
• 100 mg dose: 74.3 L/h
• 150 mg dose: 76.2 L/h

Adverse Effects:
Overdose can lead to suppression of testosterone, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction in men, and menstrual irregularities in women. Neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and hepatic side effects are also possible, with alkylated anabolic steroids like nandrolone decanoate being more likely to cause hepatic issues. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice is greater than 566 mg/kg.

Drug Interactions

• Acarbose: Nandrolone decanoate may increase the hypoglycemic effects.
• Acenocoumarol: Nandrolone decanoate may enhance anticoagulant activities.
• Acetohexamide: Nandrolone decanoate may amplify hypoglycemic effects.
• Albiglutide: Nandrolone decanoate may increase hypoglycemic activities.
• Allantoin: The efficacy of allantoin can be enhanced when combined with nandrolone decanoate.

Toxicity

In cases of chronic overdose, patients may experience significant endocrine disturbances, along with neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and hepatic adverse effects. Treatment involves symptomatic and supportive measures.

Note: 

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.