Taking Clenbuterol: Uses, Side Effects, Risks and More

What is clenbuterol used for?

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.

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.

It’s often used in bodybuilding circles for weight loss. Some people use clenbuterol to burn fat and gain muscle mass. It works similarly to anabolic steroids, although it is not the same kind of drug.

Do you need a prescription for clenbuterol?

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. 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.”

You can’t get a prescription for clenbuterol in the United States. Clenbuterol isn’t approved by the FDA for human use in the U.S. That means your doctor most likely can’t prescribe it to you legally. FDA-unapproved drugs can only be prescribed under certain special circumstances.

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. 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. 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?

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.

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. 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.

What are the side effects of clenbuterol?

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.

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.

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. People who are exposed to high doses of clenbuterol also sometimes report flu-like symptoms, like a fever or chills.

Can you overdose on clenbuterol?

Yes, an overdose can be very dangerous. If you take more than your prescribed amount of clenbuterol, you could suffer from chest tightness, anxiety, elevated heart rate, vomiting, or a heart attack. If you do overdose on clenbuterol, go to the emergency room right away. Severe side effects and overdoses are common in people taking clenbuterol at the high doses needed for weight loss or muscle gain. Be very cautious if you plan to use clenbuterol this way.

How does clenbuterol work?

It opens up the airways in your lungs. Clenbuterol relaxes the smooth muscles in your bronchial tubes (airways), making it easier to breathe. Scientists still aren’t sure how its fat-burning properties work, however. Once you’ve taken clenbuterol, it stays in your body for up to 39 hours. For this reason, you can continue to experience side effects for a long time after taking it.

Can athletes use clenbuterol?

No, clenbuterol is banned by the World Anti-Doping Code. That means if you’re tested and caught using clenbuterol, you’ll be disqualified from your sport of choice. It’s listed as a performance-enhancing drug similar to steroids.