Clenbuterol is approved for use in humans to help treat asthma in some countries but is banned for this purpose in the United States. Side effects of the drug include anxiety, shaking, headaches, heart dysfunction, and more.
Clenbuterol is a chemical called a beta-2-adrenergic agonist. It has approval in the United States for use in horses with breathing difficulty.
Clenbuterol is both a decongestant and a bronchodilator. A decongestant works by narrowing and constricting blood vessels to reduce congestion. Conversely, a bronchodilator helps relax the muscles around the airway, which in turn opens it up.
In some European and Latin American countries, clenbuterol has approval for human use as an asthma drug. Others have used it to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, in the United States, its use is banned for these purposes.
The drug is also controversial due to its use in bodybuilding and weight-loss programs.
Clenbuterol is a Beta(2) agonist similar in some structural respects to salbutamol. Agonism of the beta(2) receptor stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity which ultimately leads to downstream effects of smooth muscle relaxation in the bronchioles.
Target | Actions | Organism |
---|---|---|
ABeta-2 adrenergic receptor | agonist | Humans |
UBeta-1 adrenergic receptor | agonist | Humans |
UBeta-3 adrenergic receptor | agonist | Humans |
UBeta-nerve growth factor | stimulator | Humans |
UTumor necrosis factor | other/unknown | Humans |
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Clenbuterol should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential risks to the fetus or infant12.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Individuals with heart conditions such as tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia, or other heart diseases should avoid clenbuterol due to its stimulant effects, which can exacerbate these conditions12.
- Hyperthyroidism: Those with hyperthyroidism should not use clenbuterol as it can worsen symptoms12.
- Diabetes: Clenbuterol can affect blood sugar levels, making it unsuitable for people with diabetes2.
- Seizure Disorders: The stimulant effects of clenbuterol can increase the risk of seizures2.
- Liver Disease: Clenbuterol should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease2.
Precautions
- Monitor Heart Rate: Due to its potential to increase heart rate and cause palpitations, regular monitoring is advised3.
- Electrolyte Balance: Clenbuterol can cause a decrease in potassium levels, so maintaining electrolyte balance is important3.
- Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended as clenbuterol can cause fluctuations2.
- Avoid Long-Term Use: Prolonged use can lead to tolerance and increased risk of side effects
Clenbuterol HCl 40 mcg can cause several adverse reactions and side effects, especially when misused or overused. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Cardiovascular Effects: Increased heart rate (tachycardia), heart palpitations, chest pain, and potential heart damage.
- Neurological Effects: Tremors, anxiety, headaches, and nervous tension.
- Metabolic Effects: Increased blood pressure, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
- Other Effects: Muscle cramps, excessive sweating, insomnia, and nausea.
It’s important to note that clenbuterol is not approved for human use in the United States and is often used illegally for weight loss and performance enhancement
Pregnancy
Clenbuterol is not recommended during pregnancy. It can cross the placenta and may affect the developing fetus. The potential risks include:
- Increased Heart Rate: Clenbuterol can cause tachycardia (rapid heart rate), which can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus1.
- Uterine Relaxation: As a beta-agonist, it can relax the uterine muscles, potentially leading to complications2.
Breastfeeding
Clenbuterol is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. It can pass into breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. Potential risks include:
- Stimulant Effects: The drug’s stimulant properties can cause increased heart rate and agitation in the infant2.
- Unknown Long-term Effects: There is limited research on the long-term effects of clenbuterol exposure through breast milk2.
General Recommendations
Clenbuterol HCL 40 mcg tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)1. It’s important to keep them away from light and moisture to maintain their effectiveness