Metandienone (commonly known as Dianabol) is a synthetic anabolic‑steroid derived from testosterone. It was first introduced in the 1960s as a prescription medication for treating muscle wasting, osteoporosis and other conditions requiring increased protein synthesis. The drug gained popularity among athletes and bodybuilders for its rapid promotion of lean muscle mass and strength.
Key points
Mechanism of action – Metandienone binds to androgen receptors in skeletal muscle, increasing transcription of genes that promote amino‑acid uptake and protein synthesis while decreasing the rate of protein breakdown.
Pharmacokinetics – The oral formulation is metabolised by the liver; it has a half‑life of about 12–18 h. Because of first‑pass metabolism, oral dosing leads to significant hepatic exposure, which underlies many of its side effects.
Clinical uses – Primarily used in the treatment of chronic wasting due to disease or trauma. Off‑label use includes performance enhancement and muscle mass building.
Adverse Effects
System Typical adverse effect Mechanism / Evidence
Hepatotoxicity Elevated transaminases, jaundice, cholestatic liver injury CYP‑mediated metabolism leads to toxic metabolites; studies show dose‑related ALT/AST elevations.
Pharmacokinetics Absorption: 70–80 % oral; Peak in 1–3 h (IV). Distribution: 90 % protein binding. Metabolism: CYP3A4 → glucuronide. Excretion: Renal (~15 %) and fecal.
Half‑Life Elimination half‑life ~2–4 h; biological effect lasts days due to genomic actions.
Dose & Route Oral: 0.1–1 mg/kg q6–8 h for mild/moderate. IV/IM: 10 mg over 30 min for severe.
Side Effects GI upset, CNS stimulation, hypoglycemia (rare), hypertension, edema, electrolyte shifts, immunosuppression.
Clinical Use Acute management of seizures; used in emergency departments and hospital settings.
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Key Take‑away
Caffeine: fast‑acting stimulant (~5 min onset, 30–60 min peak). Good for immediate alertness but limited to short‑term effects.
Rivastigmine (donepezil): cholinesterase inhibitor with a slow, steady rise in effect (~2–3 weeks), providing sustained cognitive benefits and gradual improvement in attention.
Use caffeine when you need an instant lift; rely on rivastigmine for long‑term enhancement of cognition and alertness.
References
Browne A. Caffeine pharmacokinetics: Pharmacol Rev. 2003;55(2):171-185.
Sims JA et al. Rivastigmine for Alzheimer's disease: J Clin Pharm Ther. 2010;35(6):475‑480.
Huang L. Long-term effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on cognition: Neuropsychopharmacology. 2014;39(1):115‑124.
