Oxandrolone is a synthetic, orally active anabolic-androgenic steroid. Oxandrolones interact with androgen receptors in target tissues. Oxandrin is indicated as adjunctive therapy to promote weight gain after weight loss following extensive surgery, chronic infections, or severe trauma, and in some patients who without definite pathophysiologic reasons fail to gain or to maintain normal weight, to offset the protein catabolism associated with prolonged administration of corticosteroids, and for the relief of the bone pain frequently accompanying osteoporosis. Side effects include: elevated aminotransferases (ALT, AST), lipid abnormalities (e.g., decreased HDL cholesterol concentrations). Cardiovascular side effects have included edema, with and without congestive heart failure. Oxandrolone may inhibit the metabolism of oral hypoglycemic agents. In patients with edema, concomitant administration with adrenal cortical steroids or ACTH may increase the edema.