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This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music.
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If you’re an athlete or a bodybuilder, you may have heard of clenbuterol. This drug is widely used by bodybuilders as a weight-loss supplement, although it’s not FDA-approved for humans. If you live outside of the United States, you can get a prescription for clenbuterol from your doctor to treat bronchial asthma. Read on to find the answers to your frequently asked questions about clenbuterol.
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What is clenbuterol used for?
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In the United States, it’s used to treat airway obstructions in horses. Clenbuterol is not approved for human consumption within the United States. It’s only used on horses and sometimes cattle to treat infections and asthma.[1] -
Outside of the United States, it can treat bronchial asthma. You can usually find it in liquid or pill form. You must have a doctor’s prescription for it.[2]Advertisement -
It’s often used in bodybuilding circles for weight loss. Some people use clenbuterol to burn fat and gain muscle mass.[3] It works similarly to anabolic steroids, although it is not the same kind of drug.[4]
Do you need a prescription for clenbuterol?
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Yes, you need a prescription from a medical professional. If you live outside the U.S., your doctor may prescribe it for asthma or a related condition.[5] Your doctor will work with you to determine a safe and effective dose to treat your condition.- A prescription for any other use, such as weight loss, would be considered “off-label.”[6]
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Some people use clenbuterol without a prescription for weight loss. Clenbuterol isn’t a controlled substance, which means that it’s not technically illegal to use it without a prescription.[9] People who want to use it for bodybuilding or weight loss typically buy it online, where it is sold in syrup, tablet, or injectable form.[10]- The most easily available forms of clenbuterol are formulated for use in livestock. However, some websites illegally sell prescription clenbuterol made for human use.
How much clenbuterol should I take a day?
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The typical dose for weight loss is 120-160 mcg per day. When athletes use clenbuterol to burn fat, they usually start at a low dose of 40 mcg and gradually increase to 120-160 mcg over a 2 to 4-week period.[11] -
Follow your doctor’s instructions if you’re taking it for asthma. The usual dose range for treating asthma in humans is 20-40 mcg per day.[12] If you have a prescription for clenbuterol, ask your doctor or pharmacist how much of it you should take, and how often.- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications, since they could interact with clenbuterol.[13]
What are the side effects of clenbuterol?
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Some people report muscle spasms and agitation. This is especially true if you take too much clenbuterol. You might also have overactive reflexes and heightened anxiety.[14] -
Other side effects include rapid heart rate and chest pain. One study reports that someone even had a heart attack because they took too much clenbuterol. If you feel any tightness in your chest or you can’t lower your resting heart rate, head to the emergency room right away.[15] -
You may also have nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Gastrointestinal problems are common in people who abuse clenbuterol or take it for bodybuilding or weight-loss purposes.[16] People who are exposed to high doses of clenbuterol also sometimes report flu-like symptoms, like a fever or chills.[17]
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
- Note that therapeutic drugs containing clenbuterol in the United States are not sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration.[22]Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/clenbuterol-unapproved-and-unsafe-201
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550246/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7476054/
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/enforcement-activities-fda/unapproved-drugs
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/clenbuterol-unapproved-and-unsafe-201
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Clenbuterol
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878540913001011
- ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/clenbuterol-unapproved-and-unsafe-201
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878540913001011
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcpt.12991
- ↑ https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/clenbuterol.pdf
- ↑ http://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/prohibited_list_2018_en.pdf
- ↑ https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2002-02-15/fda-warns-compounding-clenbuterol-illegal
About This Article
To take Clenbuterol, first talk to your doctor to get a prescription. Once you’ve been prescribed the drug, start with the dose recommended by your doctor, which is usually about 20 micrograms. If your doctor allows it, increase your dosage by 20 micrograms every day for the first week, which will allow your body to adapt to the drug. Just keep in mind that you may experience some side effects like jitters, heart palpitations, or cramps. If your side effects are really uncomfortable, stop taking the Clenbuterol and talk to your doctor. After the first week, decrease your dose by 20 micrograms every day for the second week. Once the second week is over you’ll want to take 2 weeks off before starting another cycle, which will give your body time to rest. To learn how to prevent common side effects while taking Clenbuterol, read on!
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"It genuinely helped me out a lot. I was looking for a supplement that can help me with cutting and lean muscle. Previously I had heard about Clenbuterol, but was unsure about how to use it."..." more
