Oxymetholone is a potent oral anabolic steroid. It was initially developed to treat osteoporosis and anemia (approved for pediatric use) and to stimulate muscle growth in malnourished and debilitated patients. Oxymetholone has clinical approval for human use, especially in pediatric cases. It exhibits low androgenic and high anabolic activity and cannot be aromatized, though it has a mild estrogenic effect.