Clenbuterol for Bodybuilding: Side Effects, Benefits & Risks

You should absolutely not take a clenbuterol supplement, despite what bodybuilding forums might tell you, Yawitz says. “It acts as both a decongestant and a bronchodilator, making it easier to breathe by constricting the blood vessels that cause congestion while simultaneously opening the airway,” Yawitz says. In other countries, clenbuterol is used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), thehollywoodtrainerclub.com and other breathing difficulties. Ahead, learn more about the drug, and why you definitely shouldn’t dabble in it. One of drugs promising that is clenbuterol, better known as ‘clen’ among the gym community. Clenbuterol may be more popular than anabolic steroids with female bodybuilders because of fewer side effects.
Clenbuterol is a powerful stimulant; thus, energy levels increase notably. Stimulants arouse the CNS, causing the body to release more adrenaline and providing a substantial burst of energy in some users. When a person remains in fight-or-flight mode for an extended period, cortisol levels rise excessively, resulting in vasoconstriction. Therefore, the more flexible this tissue becomes, the greater its potential for increasing muscle hypertrophy.
Clenbuterol is a beta2-adrenergic agonist, also known as a bronchodilator. It’s unknown if clenbuterol has the same effect in humans. Animal studies show that clenbuterol may raise the production of testosterone.
Such dosages are well beyond the therapeutic range used in medicine; therefore, more severe side effects are to be expected. However, we have observed bodybuilders taking 6–8 pills per day (120–160 mcg) for weight loss purposes. Patients suffering more severely from respiratory issues may take four 20-mcg pills per day. In our experience, this side effect is specifically common in the hands.
This is not because clenbuterol is harmless but rather because it has not been approved in any form for humans by the FDA and is therefore not subject to classification. Clenbuterol is currently not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), a federal law that regulates drugs that pose a risk of abuse. Clenbuterol places extreme stress on the cardiovascular system due to its stimulant effects, and, even in horses, the drug is contraindicated for use in those with heart problems. In the United States, the use of clenbuterol has been restricted to horses due to side effects that may be severe in humans. Clenbuterol has also been popularized as a “weight loss wonder drug” by celebrities like Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, and Victoria Beckham. Like these banned substances, clenbuterol is known to increase the basal metabolic rate, heart rate, and exercise output while acting as an appetite suppressant.
Immediate medical attention is crucial if overdose symptoms appear. Clenbuterol hydrochloride, though effective for certain medical uses, carries significant risks and side effects. Following these guidelines can help mitigate risks and ensure a safer experience when using Clenbuterol. By carefully monitoring body temperature and adhering to recommended cycling practices, users can optimize the effectiveness of Clenbuterol while minimizing potential risks. Instead, discontinuing the medication for a period of 4-6 weeks is advised to allow the beta-receptors to reset . The duration of Clenbuterol’s effectiveness varies among individuals, often working well for approximately 4 to 6 weeks due to beta-receptor downregulation .
Any increase in muscle mass is mainly attributed to the increased exercise output. When used for this purpose, clenbuterol is considered a long-acting bronchodilator with a drug half-life of up to 48 hours. This drug is similar to albuterol, which is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but clenbuterol is more potent and longer-lasting. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an ingredient for any drugs for humans, although it is approved for certain veterinary purposes.
Clenbuterol has been an effective anti-asthma medication and an approved prescription drug for humans in several countries (although not in the US) since 1977. However, after about 4 to 6 weeks, the athletic benefits diminish as the body adjusts to the drug. During Clenbuterol use, users should regularly monitor their body temperature to ensure the drug is effective. This selective action makes Clenbuterol effective as a bronchodilator, but it also has notable effects on fat metabolism, which has made it popular in bodybuilding . For this same reason, drugs like Planipart are not used in the U.S. as the drug can be passed to humans through meat. In countries where it is approved for use as a long-acting bronchodilator, it is taken by mouth twice daily in doses ranging from 0.02 to 0.03 milligrams (mg).
Anabolic steroids have been shown to lower testosterone levels and shrink the testicles in men. Outside of the U.S., some countries allow it to be prescribed for people with asthma or breathing problems. Because clenbuterol is a bronchodilator, it opens up your airways when you take it. They may take clenbuterol along with anabolic steroids or growth hormone. If you take clenbuterol and experience any of these side effects, immediately stop using it and get help from a doctor. As this drug stays in your body for quite a while, you could have side effects anywhere from one to eight days. Clenbuterol is a long-lasting bronchodilator, so it can stay in your body for up to 39 hours after you take it.